Careers in Assisted Living

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People may not generally recognize the variety of industries that impact the operation of an assisted living community. An assisted living community operates as a cross between Hospitality and Healthcare with services such as restaurant quality meals, housekeeping and laundry services, salon, spa, fitness, engaging programs and healthcare related support services.

Communities require building structures with complex and unique architectural designs with routine management of maintenance and life safety systems. Daily operations require a robust financial structure with key business activities such as vendor procurement, human resources, marketing and sales activities along with clinical oversight and management.

Industry sectors including media and film create content instrumental to a community’s ability to market to consumers. Information Technology (IT) brings efficiencies and coordination. Health & Fitness programs provide vital programing and contribute to resident’s longevity.

Overall, assisted living communities require a variety of skills and backgrounds to contribute to the overall success.

Consider a career in assisted living and experience the personal fulfillment found in serving senior adults.

Career Advancement

Assisted Living roles present opportunities for individual growth & development

Career path examples may include:

•Caregiver to CNA to CMA to Nurse to Clinical Director
•Housekeeper to Lead Housekeeper to Director of Housekeeping
•Prep Cook to Cook to Sous Chef to Director of Culinary
•Receptionist to Sales Associate to Director of Sales
•Payroll Coordinator to Human Resources and/or Business Office Manager
•Maintenance Assistant to Maintenance Director
•Community Leadership to Executive Director to Regional Director to Corporate Office

Other career areas may include IT/Software infrastructure, Finance, Construction & Development, Asset Management, Human Resources, Education & Program Development, and more

Business Leadership

Business Leaders may be surprised to learn career opportunities in Assisted Living.

The business of Assisted Living is complex with a mix of hospitality, multifamily and healthcare.

Business leaders with various backgrounds are ideally suited for Assisted Living.

•Finance
•Management
•Leadership
•Hospitality
•Sales and Marketing

Professional Development Human Resource

Human Resource Professionals may be surprised to learn career opportunities in Assisted Living.

Human Resource (HR) is vital to Assisted Living. The core culture and environment is established by the staff of communities.

HR leaders with various backgrounds are ideal for Assisted Living.

•Leadership Development
•Career planning
•Creative solutions to staffing
•Culture of caring
•Education and Training
•Tailored benefit package designs

Budget and Finance

Finance professionals may be surprised to learn career opportunities in Assisted Living

The business of Assisted Living is complex with a mix of hospitality, multifamily and healthcare. If you are looking for a challenge in finance, Assisted Living if right for you.

Finance leaders are critical to the financial stability of the organization. Critical thinking and planning skills are essential in anticipating operational expenses and revenues.

Housekeeping and Laundry

Do you have experience in the Hospitality Industry?

Many Assisted Living communities have full housekeeping and laundry teams. Those with experience in commercial grade laundry facilities and housekeeping procedures may be a great fit.

Benefits working in Assisted Living:

•Flexible schedules
•Full and part-time positions
•Limited experience ok, training provided
•Opportunities for advancement
•Working in teams
•Lasting relationships with seniors

Salon and Spa Services

Are you interested in Salon and/or Spa services?

Great news! Many Assisted Living communities offer or contract with full service salons.

Examples of services include:

•Hair Cuts, Color and Styles
•Manicures & Pedicures
•Massage Therapies
•And much more

Culinary and Dining Services

Are you in the food industry? Worked in hotels, restaurants, or service roles?

Assisted Living may be great for you! Assisted Living offers three meals per day for residents with many offering chef prepared meals.

Benefits working in Assisted Living Dining Services:

•Early hours (typically 7a-7p)
•Restaurant quality meals
•Career advancement
•Full time & part time shifts
•Flexible schedules
•Lasting relationships with seniors

Marketing and Sales

Have a Marketing or Sales background? Consider working in Assisted Living!

Marketing Professionalsskills are challenged with media content creation,  website management, strategic planning to attract prospects and overall response to market inquiries.

Sales professionals find great purpose and fulfillment in helping residents and families transition into Assisted Living communities. Creative sales strategies build upon sales skills.  Attractive salaries and bonus plans may be offered.

Engagement Programming

Attention Recreational Therapist, Activity Professionals and support staff, Assisted Living is hiring!

Assisted Living often hires full time Recreational Therapist and Certified Activity Professionals to run engagement programs.

Opportunities for support staff in these departments also exist.  Communities may offer training for individuals providing activity programing.

All communities offering memory care have designated activity directors providing specialized programing related to dementia.

Health and Fitness

Attention Therapy Professionals!

Residents often use therapy services to maintain their health and fitness in group programs and individual sessions. Also, many communities offer fitness classes and personal training opportunities.

If you are in school now or have interest.

•Physical Therapy
•Occupational Therapy
•Speech Therapy
•Recreational Therapy
•Personal Fitness Training

Clinical Professional

Attention Clinical Professionals!

Find your career and passion fulfilled in Assisted Living!

Opportunities exist for professional growth and development with some communities offering tuition reimbursement.

Clinical positions in Assisted Living.

•Caregivers (no experience necessary)
•Certified Nurse Aides
•Certified Medication Aides
•Licensed Vocational Nurses
•Registered Nurses
•Nurse Practitioners
•Social Workers

Building Maintenance

Have experience with building and property maintenance?

Your skills may cross into Assisted Living communities.

Many communities need hands on maintenance support for buildings.

•Make ready apartments
•Vendor management
•General building maintenance
•General building repairs
•HVAC maintenance
•Life safety systems
•Information Technology (IT)