At The Kensington Reston, we believe great caregiving starts long before the first day on the job. It begins with a heart full of empathy, patience, and commitment that defines those called to serve others.
While skills and credentials matter, the most essential quality we seek in every team member is compassion.
Whether you’re a caregiver, nurse, dining professional, or life enrichment coordinator, we know that how you make someone feel is just as important as what you do.
The difference between good care and Kensington care is that love truly lives in every interaction.
The Heart of Our Hiring Philosophy
When we meet potential team members, we’re not just reviewing résumés, but we’re getting to know the person behind them. We look for individuals who bring warmth, integrity, and emotional intelligence to their work.
Our philosophy is simple: caregiving is not just a profession; it’s a partnership rooted in trust. We hire people who see residents not as patients, but as family.
As the American Nurses Association explains, nurses and all caregiving professionals are called to “practice with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person.”
At The Kensington Reston, we live by that same belief every day.
Emotional Intelligence: The Foundation of Exceptional Care
In senior living, emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most valuable traits a team member can bring. It’s the ability to understand emotions, both your own and others, and respond with empathy and grace.
Our best caregivers notice the small things: a resident who’s quieter than usual, a spouse who looks worried, or a team member who needs a hand. They communicate with compassion, listen with patience, and act with intention.
That emotional awareness helps us create a supportive, family-centered culture. It’s how residents feel seen, families feel reassured, and team members feel valued.
If you’re someone who leads with empathy, you’ll feel at home here.
Teamwork That Feels Like Family
At The Kensington Reston, teamwork isn’t just a concept, it’s our culture. Every role, from nursing to culinary, contributes to the well-being of our residents. Collaboration ensures no one carries the load alone.
Morning huddles set the tone for open communication, while cross-department collaboration builds mutual respect. Whether assisting with dining, helping a colleague during a busy shift, or celebrating a resident’s birthday together, our teams operate as one cohesive family.
This unity strengthens both morale and quality of care. When team members trust and support one another, residents feel that same warmth and security.
Learn more about our shared values and workplace culture on our Careers page.
Compassion in Action: The Everyday Difference
What does compassion look like in a senior living community? It’s the caregiver who takes time to paint a resident’s nails because it reminds her of happier times.
It’s the nurse who holds a family member’s hand while explaining a care plan. It’s the dining aide who remembers a resident’s favorite dessert or how they take their coffee.
These moments may seem small, but they’re the heartbeat of our community. They build trust, preserve dignity, and create joy.
Compassion also means showing up for your team members by offering encouragement, sharing laughter, and being a steady presence when challenges arise. Our people lift one another up because caring is a shared mission.
Communication That Builds Confidence
Strong communication is the bridge that connects caregivers, residents, and families. We look for individuals who are not only skilled at listening but also confident in speaking up when something doesn’t seem right.
Team members are encouraged to share observations, ask questions, and collaborate with nurses or department leaders to ensure every need is met. That sense of openness is vital to both safety and trust.
At The Kensington Reston, communication isn’t about hierarchy, it’s about partnership. Everyone’s voice matters, and every contribution makes a difference.
Learn more about our collaborative approach on our Assisted Living page.
Growth, Development, and Purpose
We don’t just hire compassionate people, we help them grow. Professional development is woven into The Kensington Reston experience. Team members receive access to ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities to advance into leadership roles.
From learning new clinical techniques to developing communication skills, education is key to career fulfillment.
Many of our caregivers and nursing assistants have progressed into management or specialized care positions through our in-house training and tuition support programs.
For us, nurturing your growth is another way of saying “thank you” for the heart you bring to our residents each day.
A Culture That Cares for Caregivers
Compassion begins within. We know that to care for others, caregivers must first feel supported themselves. That’s why The Kensington Reston fosters a work environment built on wellness, gratitude, and balance.
We offer peer mentoring, recognition programs, and flexible scheduling to help our team members maintain work-life harmony. Leaders regularly check in with employees to ensure workloads are manageable and accomplishments are celebrated.
Our community also offers wellness events and mental health resources to promote self-care. Because when our caregivers feel strong, residents feel it too.
What We Value Most
When we hire caregivers for our team, we look beyond skill sets and experience. We look for:
- Empathy: The ability to see others with understanding and respect.
- Reliability: A commitment to consistency and dependability in every shift.
- Team Spirit: Willingness to support others and celebrate shared successes.
- Curiosity: A desire to learn, grow, and continuously improve.
- Joy: Bringing a sense of optimism and humor to daily work.
These values define the spirit of The Kensington Reston and shape how we deliver exceptional care.
FAQ: Caregiver Skills
Q: What qualities make someone successful here?
A caring heart, teamwork mindset, and passion for helping others are the strongest predictors of success.
Q: Are there opportunities for career advancement?
Yes. We offer continuing education, leadership training, and mentorship programs to help employees grow professionally.
Q: What makes the team culture unique?
Our culture is family-centered and values connection, respect, and kindness among residents and colleagues alike.
Q: How does The Kensington Reston support caregiver well-being?
We provide resources for emotional support, flexible scheduling, and regular recognition for exceptional work.
Q: Do I need prior senior living experience to apply?
Not necessarily. We provide thorough onboarding and mentorship for individuals who demonstrate compassion and a willingness to learn.
Join a Team That Leads with Heart
At The Kensington Reston, compassion is more than a hiring trait, but it’s in our foundation. Every team member contributes to an atmosphere of love, respect, and purpose.
We’re proud to build teams that care not only for residents but for each other.
Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own begins with hiring people who embody that same commitment.
If you’re ready to join a team where heart meets skill and compassion drives every decision, explore open roles on our Careers page or contact The Kensington Reston today to learn more.