If you’re considering a career in senior living, there are several different types of positions that you could consider. There are administrative assistant positions, recreation and dining coordinators, and sales coordinators, to name a few. All of these roles involve working with seniors and their families. Many of these positions involve meeting and greeting them and answering their questions. These positions also often play an important role in the comfort and wellbeing of seniors.
Assisted Living Coordinator
An assisted living coordinator is responsible for maintaining a positive and safe environment for the residents in their care. Their job requires them to communicate effectively with residents and their families. They also need to be highly organized and possess excellent time management skills. Their job also requires them to complete a variety of paperwork and attend meetings.
Aside from ensuring the satisfaction of the residents, assisted living coordinators also oversee the operation of the facility. They work with a team of other employees to ensure quality care is delivered to residents. This includes forming relationships with outside vendors, such as physical therapists, home health aides, and entertainment services.
Recreation Coordinator
If you are looking for a career in senior living, a recreation coordinator position may be right for you. These professionals evaluate clients’ treatment plans to develop activities that promote health and well-being. They often have clinical and rehabilitation experience, as well as expertise in delivering therapeutic recreation. A recreation coordinator’s salary can vary depending on experience, location, and organization. With experience, recreation coordinators can quickly advance to higher positions. Some positions require a college degree or certain certifications.
Recreation coordinators may have a bachelor’s degree in recreation or related fields and need at least one year of related work experience. In many cases, certifications in first aid and CPR may be required, as recreation coordinators may deal with medical emergencies. Some employers require candidates to have a driver’s license as well. These jobs are often highly demanding and require people with a lot of interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate groups of people.
Dining Coordinator
If you have a passion for working with older adults, a senior living career may be the right path for you. This field is rewarding and offers a variety of exciting opportunities. Positions may range from planning events to creating menus for residents and guests. If you have skills in preparing or presenting food, you can use them to serve the residents and guests of assisted living communities.
Senior living communities have gone beyond the stereotype of bland, institutional food to provide vibrant restaurant-style meals. Some even employ full-time kitchen staff, including executive chefs, dishwashers, and servers. If you like to cook and enjoy meeting new people, a senior living career in the dining department may be the right choice for you.
Sales Coordinator
Sales coordinators work with a community’s sales staff to make sales. They provide tours of their facilities to prospective residents, follow-up on inquiries, and facilitate the move-in process. They also participate in meetings and other community activities and develop relationships with partners to generate new revenue streams. This role requires off-site time to network with community members.
The job requires a person with a positive attitude and great coaching skills. They also need to maintain a professional image at all times. They should also have strong leadership skills and problem-solving skills so they can make big-picture decisions.
Non-Medical Caregiver
A non-medical caregiver is a person who helps elders with their day-to-day activities. They may work at a senior living community, an assisted living facility, or even in the client’s home. Their tasks range from cleaning to companionship, from bathing to dressing. They may also assist the client with medication reminders. Other duties may include helping the client with transportation. These individuals may not have a medical background, but their presence can make a big difference in the client’s daily life.
To become a non-medical caregiver, it is helpful to complete a certification course. The requirements vary by state. Some require eight or ten hours of training and certification. Other states do not require any training. In general, high school education is not required for this career, but most home care agencies provide the training necessary for certification.