YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Scores by Category:
Incentives: 62*
Family Friendly: 5
People Development: 35*
Corporate Culture: 37
*Top scores among similar-size companies
Descriptions such as fun, family-friendly and forward-moving are what CEO Paula Baker uses to explain how Ozark Center is different from other behavioral health facilities.
She notes, too, that the employees are directly involved with the direction the company takes to better serve its clients.
“Some of the very best ideas come from employees,” she said. “They’re the ones out there on the front lines. They’re very creative – very committed to the mission of Ozark Center.”
Baker does her part to encourage open communication among the staff.
She attends all staff meetings and has launched Breakfast with Paula, a casual event that gives employees the chance to talk with her in a more relaxed environment.
“Everyone has an input,” she said.
Ozark Center is its own corporation, but it functions as an arm of Freeman Health System.
“The culture at Ozark (Center) comes from great leadership,” said Freeman Health System President and CEO Gary Duncan.
“They have a real drive to be outstanding.”
There’s no waiting period to participate in the company’s retirement plan, and employees are fully vested after five years.
Employees also can participate in profit sharing after a one-year waiting period.
Ozark Center pays for more than half of employees’ health insurance premiums, and the organization reports annual raises of 4 percent to 6 percent.
Average annual bonuses of $751 to $1,000 are available to all employees.
Tuition reimbursement is available for continuing education, and 1 percent to 9 percent of employees take advantage of that assistance.
The company also spends more than $3,000 a year on training for each employee, representing between 40 hours and 60 hours of training.
“We make that investment in our employees,” Baker said.
“We want them to maintain currency in training and education the job requires.”
Other incentives include a 401(k), more than 10 vacation days per year, personal days and employee bonuses.
Duncan classifies the attitude of Baker and other Ozark Center employees as “motivational” in that they’re all willing to do what it takes to improve community health in the Joplin area.
The latest example of serving the community’s health needs is Ozark Center for Autism, which opened Nov. 5 at 2411 Jackson Ave. in Joplin.
The school provides one-on-one therapy for area children affected by autism, a syndrome that affects the ability to form social relationships and communicate with loved ones. Ozark Center partnered with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Consulting Group on the addition.
Ozark Center for Autism will provide local access to services and resources for families dealing with autism.
“We’re not just replicating what’s in place,” Baker said. “We’re driven by our patients.”
At the end of the day, the paychecks aren’t what keep people happy at Ozark Center, Baker said.
“I know there are places people can go and make more money and not have to work as hard,” Baker said.
“But when I hear employees talk about the impact they make … you can’t put a price tag on that,” she added. “The payoffs are huge.”
Ozark Center (an affiliate of Freeman Health System)
Founded: 1965
Address: 3006 McClelland Blvd., Joplin, MO 64803
Phone: (417) 347-7580
Web: www.freemanhealth.com
Employees: 352
Services: Behavioral health center[[In-content Ad]]
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