Adult Day Care Coordinators
Outlook
Employment Prospects
Employers
Adult day care coordinators work at adult day care centers. These may be small or large. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are approximately 389,800 social and human service assistants employed in the United States, and 14 percent work in residential care facilities and community and vocational rehabilitation services. It is estimated that there are approximately 5,000 adult day care programs currently operating in the United States. Most of them are operated on a nonprofit or public basis, and many are affiliated with large organizations such as nursing homes, hospitals, or multipurpose senior organizations. Standards and work environments vary.
Starting Out
In looking for a position as an adult day care coordinator, candidates should first locate and contact all such programs in the area. Checking the local Yellow Pages under nursing homes, residential care facilities, aging services, or senior citizens services should provide a list of leads. The job seeker might either send a resume and cover letter or call these potential employers directly. Prospective coordinators should also watch for job openings listed in area newspapers and on organizations Web sites.
Another means of finding job leads is to become affiliated with a professional association, such as the American Geriatrics Society, LeadingAge, the Gerontological Society of America, or the National Council on Aging. Many of these organizations publish monthly or quarterly newsletters that list job opportunities. Some may even have job banks or referral services.
Job seekers who have received associates or bachelors degrees should also check with the career services offices at their colleges or universities.
To become an adult daycare coordinator it takes approximately 6 to 8 years. From year 1 - 4 the candidate should earn their bachelors degree. From 5 - 9 years the candidate can earn relevant experience in the field. During this period, the candidate can also complete additional training or courses and enhance the opportunity of getting a job.
Advancement Prospects
Because the field of aging-related services continues to grow, the potential for advancement for adult daycare coordinators is good. Some coordinators advance by transferring to a larger center that pays better wages. Others eventually start their centers. Still others advance by moving into management positions in other, similar social service organizations, such as nursing homes, hospices, or government agencies on aging.
An adult daycare coordinator might choose to return to school and complete a higher degree, often a masters degree in social work. For those who choose this option, there are many career opportunities in the field of social services. Social workers, for example, work with individuals and families dealing with AIDS, cancer, or other debilitating illnesses. They also work for agencies offering various types of counseling, rehabilitation, or crisis intervention.
Tips for Entry
Join professional associations such as the National Adult Day Services Association to access training and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.
Visit the following Web sites for job listings:
- https://www.careerbuilder.com
- https://www.indeed.com
- https://www.simplyhired.com
- https://www.monster.com
Participate in geriatric-care related internships or part-time jobs that are arranged by your college’s career services office.
Conduct information interviews with adult day care coordinators and ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.
Hard skills required by an Adult Daycare Coordinator to enhance the probability of getting into high position
- CPR
- Mental Illness
- Substance Abuse
- Community Outreach
- Mental Health
- Adult Programs
- Social Services
- Crisis Situations
- Medicaid
- Patient Care
- Adult Services
Source: https://www.zippia.com/adult-daycare-coordinator-jobs/skills