The senior living industry in St. Louis (and nationwide!) is growing! For a professional, this means stability, a high demand for talent, and a career path rich with opportunities for advancement.
Seeking to move up, specialize, or make a career pivot in the St. Louis senior living market? Here are three core strategies that will propel professional growth.
1. Pursue Further Education and Training Opportunities for Senior Living Careers
Specialized knowledge drives career advancement in senior living.
- Further Education: At Friendship Village, our employees receive tuition reimbursement to help them make career jumps. Many of our employees work with their supervisors to identify education that would add value to their career trajectory.
- Specialized Certifications: Knowledge in specific areas of senior care is a fast-track to expertise. Seek certifications in high-demand areas like:
- Dementia/Alzheimer’s Care
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Therapeutic Activities
- Administration Licenses: If executive leadership is a goal, the LNHA (Licensed Nursing Home Administrator) license is a must for managing skilled nursing facilities in Missouri. Look into accredited AIT (Administrator-in-Training) programs.
3. Leverage Local Networking and Industry Groups in St. Louis
The St. Louis senior living community is close-knit. Professional connections provide mentorship, job leads, and crucial industry insights.
- Join Local Chapters and Associations: Actively engage with regional organizations such as:
- LeadingAge Missouri: Focuses on mission-driven, not-for-profit senior services.
- Local Healthcare/Senior Living Networking Groups: Look for monthly meetings, luncheons, and annual conferences.
- Seek Out Mentorship: A mentor can offer personalized guidance and advocate for advancement. Many professionals in the St. Louis area, like those at our Friendship Village communities, are willing to share their decades of experience.
3. Choose the Right Community for Sustained Growth
To ensure a long and flourishing career, be selective about potential employers.
- Look for a Full Continuum of Care: Communities offering a full continuum of care provide the broadest exposure to resident care levels. This environment allows for the most versatility in internal career moves.
- Inquire About Employee Development Programs: During the interview process, ask specific questions about the organization’s commitment to its staff:
- Do you offer tuition assistance or paid time off for training?
- What amount of management positions are filled by internal promotions?
- What are examples of how you support employee development or training?
About Joining Friendship Village Team
Friendship Village is a not-for-profit organization which means we channel our resources back into the community, empowering our dedicated employees to excel and grow in their roles. With offering the full continuum of care, our team can work on a wide variety of skills and the ability to move internally easily.
Interested in joining a team that supports career growth? View our open positions here.