The senior living industry is a vibrant, growing field full of opportunities for people who want a career with purpose. At Friendship Village, we often hear excellent questions from job seekers and people considering a career change.
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about working in senior living.
1. What types of jobs are available in a senior living community?
A retirement community requires a wide range of professionals outside of just clinical care.
- Healthcare & Direct Care: Roles include Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Certified Medication Technicians, Home Health Aides, Therapists (Physical, Occupational, Speech).
- Hospitality & Services: Roles include Dining Services Attendants, Cooks, Chefs, Housekeepers, Maintenance & Groundskeeping Staff.
- Resident Enrichment: Roles include Activities Coordinators, Life Enrichment Specialists, Wellness/Fitness Instructors.
- Administration & Management: Roles include Financial Services, Human Resources, Marketing & Sales, Administrative Assistants, and Leadership roles.
2. What are the most valued skills in senior living roles?
Success in a senior living environment is built upon both essential technical knowledge and foundational attributes.
- Technical Skills and Certifications: The necessary professional training, licenses, and clinical expertise required for a specific role (e.g., LPN or CNA certification, food safety certifications, or specialized maintenance licenses).
- Empathy and Compassion: The ability to genuinely connect with residents, understanding their emotional and physical needs, and responding with kindness.
- Effective Communication: Clearly interacting with residents, their families, and team members with patience and professionalism.
- Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Being proactive in addressing challenges and responding quickly to unexpected situations or evolving resident needs.
- Patience and a Positive Attitude: Approaching work and interactions with a genuine spirit of service.
3. What are the rewards of working in senior care?
Working in the senior living industry offers both professional and personal fulfillment.
- A Deep Sense of Purpose: Make a tangible difference in someone’s daily life, preserving their dignity and enhancing their quality of life.
- Building Meaningful Relationships: Team members often build close, family-like bonds with residents.
- Learning from Wisdom: Our residents have a wealth of life experience and stories to share. Employees have a unique opportunity every day to gain new perspectives from residents.
- Job Security and Growth: With the aging population, the demand for senior living professionals is stable and growing, offering excellent career stability and pathways for professional development and advancement.
4. Does the senior living industry support career development?
Yes! With a high-demand for skilled professionals in the industry, the training and growth of employees is prioritized.
- Training and Mentorship: Many positions offer on-the-job training, classes, and a supportive environment for new staff to learn and grow. At Friendship Village, we offer a tuition reimbursement plan to help employees work toward their dream career.
- Advancement Opportunities: There are clear pathways to advance from entry-level roles to licensed and management positions. Several of our long-serving managers and supervisors have spent decades with us, a testament to our commitment to internal promotions.
5. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible scheduling?
Yes! Resident care and support services are needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so communities often have a variety of scheduling options available. Positions are typically offered as full-time or part-time, covering day, evening, and overnight shifts. Some home health positions even offer employees the flexibility to build their own work schedules. This variety of hours can be ideal for professionals balancing family commitments, educational pursuits, or other personal priorities. Additionally, certain shifts may include benefits like shift differential pay.
Have more questions about a career at Friendship Village? Learn more and browse open senior living job positions.