Circle of Life workers are the owners of the business.
- Each employee is a member and active participant in the Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative (COL).
- Members pay a one-time fee of $300 (which can be paid through payroll deductions.)
- COL business decisions are made by a Board of Directors elected by and comprised of COL members.
- Business profits will be returned to workers as dividends, as determined by the Board.
- There is a three month trial period for membership; memberships are approved by the Board.
- Circle of Life caregivers have an investment in the success of our company, and for that reason are motivated to provide exceptional care to our clients. Good communication skills and a willingness to learn about and work within a cooperative business model are essential in Circle of Life members/employees.
- Shifts shorter than 3 hours in length are paid at a higher rate.
- Caregivers enjoy the benefit of Paid Vacation accrued based on hours worked.
- Caregivers receive EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits.
Qualifications for employment as a Caregiver for COL include:
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
- Caregiver experience and/or basic caregiver training
- Acceptable references
- Approval after probation period by Caregiver Coordinator and Board of Directors
Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative:
- Screens all applicants for experience, training, and communication skills.
- Conducts criminal background checks on all employees as required by WA State.
- Is the employer of the caregivers and handles payroll associated with caregiver compensation.
- Has liability insurance and bonding for the business and all members.
- Supports continuing education for our caregiver members.
- Maintains an administrative office to handle client referrals, intakes, and assessments.
- Has a designated person available for consultation by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Conducts active marketing and promotion of the business in the community.
- Pays 100% of Labor and Industries industrial insurance.
COL is not able to offer health insurance for employees at this time.
As owners of the business, Circle of Life workers have responsibilities to:
- Promote good client and worker morale
- Assist with outreach to new employees and clients
- Stay informed about the growth of the business
- Participate in positive communication concerning the business
- Be actively involved in designing training programs for workers
- Attend and participate in membership or committee meetings
Circle of Life honors and respects the life experiences, dignity, and independence of elders in our community. Circle of Life honors and respects the labor, skills, and experience of our workers and provides them with peer support, training, and decision-making power in the business.