Industry Focus: Q&A with Country Meadows

Q: How does your company stay competitive for attracting top talent?

We are only as good as our co-workers, so our offerings are centered on supporting their success as much as possible. These efforts have been validated by anonymous co-worker surveys which have earned us recognitions like the national “Great Place to Work™” certification and Frederick County’s “Best Places to Work.”

We actively evaluate our compensation among others in our industry to ensure we are competitive and make real-time adjustments when needed. We offer comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical coverage to co-workers working at least 26 hours per week. Many of our co-workers aspire to pursue other positions within the company during their tenure; to support them, we offer continuing education, mentoring, tuition reimbursement, scholarships and career paths.

In addition, we have unique perks like $2 meals in our dining program, a paid day off for your birthday and financial assistance through our Helping Hand loans and Co-worker Foundation debt-free grants for co-workers in emergency situations. Lastly, as a 100% family-owned and involved company, we don’t answer to shareholders or management companies. That makes us different. We answer to our residents and co-workers. That makes us better.

Q: What training(s), if any, are you doing for your employees?

Because we offer a wide range of roles, we ensure each co-worker is effectively prepared for not only that position, but also the general care and safety of our residents. For example, we provide direct-care training for our caregivers, dementia education for all co-workers supporting residents in our memory care neighborhoods, mentoring, fire safety, emergency response, ongoing clinical training for our entire clinical team from Medication Associates to Nurses, management training, continuing education opportunities and career paths.

Q: What industries or types of jobs are good transition points for your open positions?

For a majority of our front line positions, we have a very open-experience philosophy. Because many are pursuing experience in healthcare, transitioning from other careers for a more meaningful vocation or seeking a second (or even third) chapter post-retirement, we welcome individuals from any professional background who enjoy the company of older adults and thrive on making a difference. Our teams and residents truly benefit from their outside perspectives from their previous experience.

For those who already have experience in a specific area (culinary, caregiving, CNAs, medication associates, nurses, fitness, etc.), we offer opportunities for more experience and/or at a higher level within that field.

And for any current co-workers aspiring for different or more experience with our company, we work with them one-on-one to determine what opportunities would be a rewarding fit with their current experience, passion and career goals.

Q: What are some things you look for from job candidates that may not be asked or highlighted in the job description?

Working in a care setting for the senior population is a very individualized experience. Those who are successful in their roles (in any department) are compassionate, respectful, resourceful, solution-oriented, team-motivated and enjoy the company of our residents. We understand and appreciate we may not be the right fit for everyone. But individuals who thrive in making a difference in another’s day—in big or small moments—will be fulfilled on our team.  

Q: What advice would you give to someone trying to enter or transition into your line of work?

#1: Find a profession and more importantly, a company who fulfills your passions, supports your success and respects your contributions, surrounded by people who care about you. Get a sense of the company’s culture and don’t be afraid to ask questions that are important to you. Remember, the company and you want this to be the right fit.   

#2: If you enjoy the company of older adults, consider senior living. You have the opportunity to connect meaningfully with individuals who have a lifetime of stories to share, appreciate your skills and enjoy your company. While some days may not be easy for our residents, you have the starring role to help make life better in whatever way you choose.  

Candidates can visit https://www.countrymeadows.com/careers to explore current openings and learn more.