As we head into 2025, job seekers in and around Reston, Virginia, seek more than just a paycheck in their healthcare careers. They’re choosing roles that resonate with their professional values, like respect, inclusion, and meaningful service.
Assisted living jobs, memory care jobs, and other senior living employment opportunities are on the rise, creating a growing need for compassionate professionals who understand that every older adult deserves personalized, dignified care.
For job seekers, this means a wealth of potential positions—from caregiving and nursing to dining, maintenance, and leadership roles—all within a supportive environment that values each individual’s background and perspective.
Explore the open job positions at The Kensington and submit your application today!
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
It takes a village to run a senior living community
Today, assisted living and memory care communities cater to a wide range of individual needs, interests, and cultural backgrounds.
Aging adults aren’t simply looking for a room and routine meals—they want to maintain independence, enjoy engaging activities, and experience daily life comfortably.
Many senior living communities will employ a caregiving team that may include licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who manage medications and health concerns, care partners who provide hands-on assistance, and memory care specialists who develop activities tailored to residents with cognitive challenges.
Beyond direct care, positions such as maintenance technicians, dining servers, and directors of nursing services all contribute to a smoothly functioning community.
Read: Joining The Kensington Reston Team: A Step-by-Step Process
Why diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matter in senior living jobs
At The Kensington Reston, team members come together from different walks of life, all committed to serving older adults. This environment encourages residents and staff alike to feel seen, heard, and respected.
Our DEI initiatives create a more welcoming and diverse community that responds to a diverse community of residents.
In senior living, embracing diverse perspectives means better understanding each resident’s cultural background, dietary preferences, religious traditions, and communication styles.
A team composed of varied life experiences can adapt more readily to residents’ needs, improving their quality of life.
Senior living jobs: more than just nursing positions
While nursing and caregiving roles form the backbone of assisted living and senior living communities, it truly takes a village of diverse skills to keep everything running smoothly!
You might be surprised at the variety of jobs available—from administration and maintenance to activities coordination. Each role is necessary in creating a functional, supportive environment for residents.
Some key positions at The Kensington Reston include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Supports medical needs, administers medications, and monitors health changes.
- Memory Care Activities Coordinator: Plan and oversee engaging activities for residents with cognitive challenges.
- Overnight LPN: Provide care and reassurance throughout the night.
- Memory Care Program Manager: Guide the care team within specialized memory care areas.
- Executive Director: Sets the vision, oversees operations, and ensures the community stays true to its promise.
- Director of Dining Services: Creates menus and dining experiences that appeal to varied tastes.
- Dining Server: Delivers meals and a friendly presence, making dining a pleasant social event.
- Lead Care Partner – Memory Care: Works closely with residents experiencing memory loss, ensuring compassion and tailored support.
- Dishwasher: Maintains cleanliness and order behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth dining service.
- Care Partner (CNA, HHA, PCA): Assists residents with daily tasks, preserving independence and dignity.
- Overnight Care Partner (CNA, HHA, PCA): Provides support during nighttime hours.
- Laundry & Housekeeping Attendant: Ensures living spaces remain welcoming and clean.
- Director of Nursing Services: Manages clinical standards and supports the nursing team’s professional growth.
Read: Join Us for our Direct Care Training Program!
How to find a healthcare job that aligns with your values
Before applying for any senior living healthcare job, reflect on your personal values.
What matters most to you? Maybe it’s treating people with respect, contributing to a meaningful cause, or ensuring every resident has a voice.
Identify these priorities and use them as a lens when researching potential employers.
1. Start with the company’s mission
Visit the website. We treat residents and team members like our own families.
Authenticity matters—look for organizations whose stated values match their actions.
2. Check for growth opportunities
A workplace that invests in its staff likely respects individuality and encourages advancement. Ask if they offer training, mentorship, or promotions.
Being valued as a professional reflects a company’s deeper respect for each person’s worth.
3. Ask about team culture
During interviews, inquire about teamwork, communication, and support.
A company that fosters open dialogue and recognizes individual strengths can help you thrive while also serving residents better.
4. Talk to current or former employees
If possible, connect with people who know the company firsthand. Their experiences can give insight into how well the employer lives up to its stated principles.
5. Consider the overall environment
Visit if you can, or watch videos and read testimonials.
A community that embraces inclusion and nurtures personal development often shines through in small details—warm greetings at the door, respectful language, or the genuine interest team members show in each other’s backgrounds.
Read: How to Craft the Perfect Healthcare Resume
From care partner to leader: Opportunities for career growth
One of the most significant aspects of working in senior living is upward mobility in your career.
Many senior living communities encourage skill-building and career development for their employees.
- A care partner who demonstrates leadership may move into supervisory roles.
- A dining server can develop management skills and potentially oversee dining services.
- Directors and executives often start in entry-level or mid-level positions, working their way up as they gain experience and show dedication to the mission.
Look for environments that celebrate professional growth.
A supportive company recognizes that by helping team members refine their skills, they improve resident care and strengthen the entire organization.
Balancing meaningful work with personal well-being
Caring for aging adults can be both fulfilling and emotionally demanding.
Employers that promote work-life balance and provide resources for self-care show genuine respect for their teams.
Offering benefits such as health coverage, paid time off, or employee assistance programs isn’t just about maintaining productivity—it’s about acknowledging that team members have their own lives and needs.
In a healthy, inclusive workplace, your well-being isn’t an afterthought.
When you feel supported, you can perform at your best, creating a positive experience for residents and colleagues.
Take the next step toward a career driven by professional values
Looking for a career with heart? Join us at The Kensington Reston, an upscale community offering assisted living and memory care.
We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits starting at 32 hours a week, generous PTO, an employee assistance program, and complimentary meals.
Explore our current openings or submit your resume today at The Kensington Reston.
Here, your career is more than a job—it’s a commitment to caring.