Employment in Assisted Living: Key Qualifications for Assisted Living Staff

There are over 30,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., which shows that there's a huge demand for employees.

Getting the right qualifications is essential for pursuing your dreams and supporting residents. But with so much information online, it can feel overwhelming to understand what you need to do.

If that sounds like your situation, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about employment in assisted living.

Benefits of Working in an Assisted Living Community

Professional caregivers have an impact on seniors' lives.

You leave each day knowing that you're serving older adults and giving their families peace of mind. You also create lasting relationships with peers and residents, which is invaluable. Plus, you'll learn marketable skills that will benefit your future.

Further, employees get a range of various benefits.

Assisted living communities offer health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Many also offer educational programs where you can learn while you earn. This is invaluable for employees who want to advance their careers and develop new skills.

Different Types of Jobs

Before applying, learn about the different jobs found in assisted living communities.

You may want to be a Caregiver as they directly support seniors. These professionals help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and managing medication. Aside from tasks, Caregivers provide invaluable emotional support that promotes resident wellness.

Another option is to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Unlike caregivers, CNAs have specialized training and certifications to offer more hands-on care. This includes taking vital signs, administering medication, and reporting changes in residents' conditions.

A valuable asset to the Senior Care Team is a Medication Aide. Employees handle and administer medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals. Because of this, Medication Aides must have strong attention to detail and follow safety measures.

Activities Coordinators also thrive in assisted living communities. These professionals organize recreational activities for residents. The sessions promote good physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Further, all assisted care communities need Dietary Aids. Employees prep food, serve meals, and ensure that all dietary requirements are met. Dietary Aides are also responsible for cleaning the kitchen and dining areas pristine.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

The necessary qualifications and skills will vary, depending on the role. It will also depend on the level of responsibility, especially if it's medical-based.

As a Caregiver, for example, you must have a high school diploma and First Aid certification to show you can provide care expertise. If you're applying to become a CNA, you must have completed a nursing assistant program and hold a CNA certification.

Aside from checking your educational background and staff training certifications, employers will conduct a thorough background check. This may include criminal record checks, drug testing, and references from past employers.

A skill that many applicants overlook is physical requirements. Many roles are physically demanding as employees must stand for long periods, lift, and help residents with their mobility. Being physically active ensures you perform these tasks with zero issues.

Must-Have Personal Qualities

Regardless of the position, there are essential skills every applicant should have. Compassion is the most important because you must and strive to help residents live their best lives under your care.

Candidates must have great communication abilities. This is to form relationships with team members, residents, and family members. Another huge one is compassion as it shows applicants understand the residents' needs and provide incredible healthcare.

In a similar vein, applicants should work well within a team. This means working efficiently with staff and family members, so the community functions like a well-oiled machine.

Patience is another must-have skill. There will be challenging situations, and it's up to the employee to stay level-headed and offer their support. This makes it easier for residents to deal with.

How to Apply for a Position

You tick all the boxes and you're ready to apply for the position. Exciting!

Browse online job boards or, if you're already in the industry, ask your network for leads. Your co-workers may know of a role opening up or recommend a great local assisted living community.

First, check that the community's mission aligns with your values.

Learning about the community helps you decide if it aligns with your goals and abilities. Plus, you can use it to benefit your application. For instance, give examples of how you have similar values and how you will demonstrate this in the role.

If you haven't already, update your resume. Highlight relevant experiences and certifications that will help you stand out. This could be recent training or volunteering session in the community. Show that you're passionate and that your background means that you're the right fit for the role.

Don't have experience working in an assisted living community? Then, focus on your transferable skills. This could include problem-solving skills, communication, and empathy.

Preparing for the Interview

You've landed an interview, but you haven't got the job just yet!

Make sure you're prepared by practicing common interview questions. This is an overview of your experience and how you excel in soft skills. For instance, you may be asked about handling challenging situations or time management.

You should also research popular industry-related questions. This may be how you handle challenging situations and promote the well-being of residents in the community. If you can, draw inspiration from your personal experiences as it shows you have the right skills for the role.

It can feel overwhelming, so list key points for each question you think will appear. Remembering key points will help if you feel nervous, as it ensures you get your main point across.

Find Employment in Assisted Living Communities Today

Now that you know how to find employment in assisted living communities, it's time to apply.

Learning the different roles will help you apply for the relevant job. At LakeHouse Kalamazoo, we provide around-the-clock care and meet our residents' needs.

If you want to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us to chat with a member of our team.