An assisted living manager handles the administrative duties at a residential facility for elderly citizens or people with disabilities. He or she directs caregivers, kitchen workers, maintenance crews, and other employees of the facility. In a large company, an assisted living manager may be responsible for a very particular division, such as recreational activity planning or employee scheduling and payroll. Most managers at smaller facilities oversee all elements of the business.
Making living arrangements for an ailing family member can be a stressful and confusing task. An assisted living manager speaks with potential residents and their families to explain costs, services, and benefits. He or she determines if the facility can fully meet the needs of the person before signing a contract. Once initial arrangements are set, the manager can lead a tour of the grounds, provide keys, and introduce the family to staff members.
An assisted living manager also handles human resources duties, such as payroll, hiring, training, and scheduling. He or she sets up training courses to prepare new caregivers and provides routine employee performance reviews. In addition, a manager establishes new policies and procedures to ensure resident and worker satisfaction. If regional or national laws regarding assisted living care change, it is the responsibility of the manager to inform employees and make the appropriate adjustments to policy.
While most of the duties of an assisted living manager revolve around office work, it is still important for a professional to be able to provide personal care for residents. Most managers have the appropriate training to perform caregiver duties in the event that an employee is unable to make it to work on a particular day. If an emergency arises, a manager may need to assess the situation, perform first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and contact emergency responders. Quick thinking and the ability to stay calm during stressful situations are essential skills of an assisted living manager.
The requirements to become an assisted living manager vary between regions and employers. Many companies require prospective managers to hold associate or bachelor's degrees in health science, nursing, business administration, or another related field. In addition, previous experience as a caregiver or office manager is preferred by most employers. Some regions require new assisted living managers to take certification courses and exams before they can begin working independently. With experience and continuing education, a professional may be able to advance to a senior manager or top executive position within his or her company.