An assisted living administrator’s main responsibilities include handling complaints, communicating with insurance companies, supervising staff, and controlling admissions within an assisted living community. Administrators are largely responsible for most administrative tasks, such as billing, funding, and budget balancing, so this position comes with a lot of responsibility.
Most residents of assisted living facilities are unable to complete tasks on their own. As a result, it is the responsibility of an assisted living administrator to represent residents who require assistance. Administrators must be able to communicate effectively with others, manage financial tasks, and plan daily activities.
To work as an assisted living administrator, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in health science, a certificate in assisted living management, or an associate’s degree in assisted living. Most administrators also have a background in financial management, health law, or clinical management. Some university graduates who want to work as high-paid administrators will pursue a master’s degree in health administration.
While the education requirements listed above apply to almost all administrative job openings, the administrative field is always changing. Before a candidate can be considered for an assisted living administrator position, different countries and states may require additional education.
Aside from the required education, those interested in working in administration should have certain personality traits. Administrators must be analytical, but they also must be compassionate. Residents of assisted living facilities frequently struggle with insurance issues.
As a result, an assisted living administrator will need to act as a go-between for residents and insurance companies. Furthermore, administrators may be required to speak with family members about a resident’s health, which can be emotionally taxing. An administrator will have to deal with resident complaints, facility issues, and building maintenance at some point during his or her career. Administrators are strong-willed, kind, and quick-witted individuals who enjoy working in a team environment.
Positions as an assisted living administrator can be found online, on the websites of nursing homes and residence homes, or through job placement agencies. Most employers prefer candidates for this position to have prior health-care experience, but in some cases, proper education may be enough to secure a position. Salary expectations vary a lot from one facility to the next, but most successful administrators make good money in this field.