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Careers in Retirement Homes

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The retirement home sector is an amazing career destination; it’s dynamic, flexible, fun, smart, and exciting – with ample opportunities for growth. Did you know, by 2036, retirement homes will need over 14,000 new team members?

Start a meaningful career that’s focused on building relationships and making a difference in the lives of seniors! Click on the buttons below to navigate the page and learn more.

Why Choose a Career in the Retirement Home Sector?

What is a Retirement Home?

Retirement Homes vs. Long-Term Care Homes

Retirement Homes

  • Provide rental accommodation with care and services for seniors who can live independently.​

  • ​Seniors live with minimal to moderate support.​

  • ​Seniors can choose their retirement home and waitlists depend on the individual home.

  • Privately paid for by the seniors who choose to live there.         

Long-Term Care

  • Designed for residents who require availability of 24-hour nursing care/supervision, sometimes within a secure setting.​

  • ​They receive government funding, with residents paying a co-payment for accommodations.​

  • ​There is likely to be a waiting list and residents may not get their first choice of facility.

Similarities

  • Caring for seniors!

  • A place seniors call home.

 

What Careers are Available in Retirement Homes?

Hospitality: fostering relationships between residents, their families, and the home.
Roles include Receptionist, Front Desk, and more.

Health & Well-Being: attending to residents’ physical and mental health needs.
Roles include Personal Support Worker, Nurse, Health Care Aide, and more.

Culinary: the preparation, cooking, and presentation of food in the form of nutritious and exciting meals.
Roles include Chef, Server, Food & Beverage, and more.

Recreation: developing programs and services for residents to stay active and healthy.
Roles include Recreation Aide, Activity Coordinator, Concierge, and more.

Environmental: the overall maintenance, safety and cleanliness standards of a home.
Roles include Laundry, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and more.

Management: coordinating and administrating tasks to achieve the home’s overall goal.
Roles include Executive Director, General Manager, and more.

Leadership: the overall management of a home and/or chain and their people.
Roles include CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, and more.

Retirement homes are vibrant communities, bustling with activity and require a wide variety of staff to ensure the seniors who choose to live there, receive the best possible care and services. Please explore the various types of careers available in retirement homes by using the tabs above.

Hospitality Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Hospitality Careers in Retirement Homes

Receptionist

Provide initial face-to-face and telephone/email contact with visitors, staff and residents, answer inquiries and/or notify appropriate people as required, maintain confidentiality of all financial, personnel and resident data while providing full administrative support to the General Manager and supervisory staff. Assist with residence’s fire and safety programs as needed.

Transferable Experience

Work with the Office Manager and General Manager to answer resident inquiries and support them with any other related administrative duties in the residence.

Education Required
  • High School Diploma
  • Office Admin. Certificate
Housekeeper

Maintain a clean, safe environment in the residence that provides comfort and security of the residence as directed by the Housekeeping Manager and residence policies and procedures. May include cleaning/sanitizing of resident suites, common areas, etc. and reporting of any malfunctions in the residence to the Manager.

Transferable Experience

May also complete laundry duties.

Education Required
  • High School Diploma
Housekeeping Manager

Plan, organize, direct and supervise the activities of the Housekeeping Department to achieve and maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the residence. Must have a complete understanding of and practice infection control policies and ensure staff are provided with adequate equipment and supplies appropriate to provide the delivery of the service.

Transferable Experience

May also oversee the Laundry department, depending on the structure of the home.

Education Required

High School Diploma

Health and Wellbeing Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Health and Wellbeing Careers in Retirement Homes

Care Aide
Also known as Personal Support Worker, Universal Care Provider, Guest Care Attendant

Provide resident care by attending to resident needs and providing assistance to ensure residents are able to perform/receive activities of daily living. Observe and report resident changes to the Director of Care or supervisory staff, and complete nursing documentation if applicable. Help residents maintain independence, while promoting dignity and physical safety. May provide emergency first aid/nursing care until appropriate medical care is available.

Transferable Experience

May assist Culinary and Recreation departments with special functions.

Education Required
  • PSW Certificate, RPN
  • Medication Administration Certificate
  • UCP Course for Med. Admin
  • CPR
Nurse
Also known as Nurse Manager, Director of Care, Care Services Manager, Director of Health and Wellness

Provide professional nursing care to all residents and supervise care given in the nursing department by assessing resident needs and planning, implementing and evaluating the care program which may include medication administration, as well as other care services as applicable. Work closely with General Manager, attending Physicians, Food Services and Activity/Recreation and supervise all staff in nursing department.

Transferable Experience

May report to the General Manager if there are any issues or concerns related to the health and well-being of residents. May work with other care staff in training and ensuring care services/care plans are provided to residents.

Education Required
  • College of Nurses: RN, RPN

Culinary Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Culinary Careers in Retirement Homes

Chef
Also known as Head Chef, Chef, Sous Chef, Cook

Prepare and serve nutritious meals for residents in a safe and attractive manner including sampling food prior to each meal to determine palatability. Monitor quality and ensure proper operation of kitchen equipment including alerting the Food Service Manager to concerns while providing recommendations for corrective actions.

Transferable Experience

If you have worked in a restaurant, banquet hall, or similar environment, joining the culinary team in a retirement home would be a good fit.

Education Required
  • Red Seal Chef Certification
Server
Also known as Dietary Aide

Assist Chef with food preparation, clean/sanitize/organize as required. Serve food to residents, observing special diet restrictions and resident preferences and clear tables.

Transferable Experience

May assist Activity/Recreation department with special functions (e.g., holiday events, etc.)

Education Required
  • High School Diploma
  • SmartServe Certification
  • Safe Food Handling Certification
Food and Beverage Manager
Also known as Culinary Manager, Culinary Director, Food Services Manager

Oversee day-to-day operations of Food Service Department including policies and procedures, plan/organize/direct and supervise department to ensure provision of high-quality food service. This includes planning/developing regular therapeutic and alternate menus based on Canada’s Food Guide, purchasing food and supplies, ensuring sanitation, coordinating dietary services with other departments, maintaining accurate records pertaining to residents’ nutritional care and ensuring all public health reports are communicated to staff and acted upon.

Transferable Experience

May assist Activity/Recreation department with special functions (e.g., holiday events, etc.)

Education Required
  • Red Seal Chef Certification
  • Food/Bev./Nutrition Mgmt. Certificates/Diplomas
  • SmartServe Certification
  • Safe Food Handling Certification

Recreation Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Recreation Careers in Retirement Homes

Recreation Aide
Also known as Activity Coordinator, Lifestyle and Program Assistant, Resident Engagement Assistant

Provide support to the Recreation Manager with implementing and evaluating the leisure programs and services to meet the psychosocial, physical, intellectual and spiritual needs of residents. This includes planning, organizing and submitting monthly activity schedules/calendars for the Recreation Manager to review and approve. Recreation Staff may also be responsible for carrying out recreational programs to residents in the residence and support to new/current volunteers in the residence.

Transferable Experience

May assist Dietary Department with special functions (.e.g, food and drink service)

Education Required
  • High School Diploma
  • Fitness Certifications
Activity and Recreation Manager
Also known as Wellness Director

Develop, implement and evaluate leisure programs and services to meet the psychosocial, physical, intellectual and spiritual needs of all residents. Establish programs, and maintaining monthly calendars that enrich the lives of each resident. Collect and assess ongoing programs. Interview and assess residents’ social history, physical ability and behaviours, dietary requirements, etc. May also assist with development/management/administration of volunteer program.

Transferable Experience

May assist Dietary Department with special functions (.e.g, food and drink service)

Education Required
  • Degree or Diploma in physical education, recreation and leisure, gerontology, or a related field
  • Fitness Certifications (CanFitPro/SFIC/FFOA)

Environmental Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Environmental/Maintenance Careers in Retirement Homes

Environmental Aide

Complete general repairs to building, equipment and furnishings, routine and preventative maintenance, etc. as directed by the Environmental Manager.

Transferable Experience

May also work throughout the Laundry and Housekeeping departments.

Education Required
  • N/A
Environmental Services Manager

Maintain the building and grounds in good condition to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Ensure general repairs and room maintenance are completed, and other areas are kept in working order for resident and staff safety and comfort. Maintain effectiveness of building mechanical, electrical and fire detection and safety systems and provide routine surveillance of grounds, including parking lots, courtyards, etc.

Transferable Experience

May also oversee Laundry and Housekeeping departments, depending on the structure of the home.

Education Required
  • Maintenance Certificates (general, power engineer, electro mechanical)
Laundry Aide

Sort, wash, dry and fold laundry as well as store and deliver linens and personal clothing if required.

Transferable Experience

May also complete housekeeping duties.

Education Required
  • N/A
Laundry Manager

Plan, organize, direct and supervise the activities of the Laundry Department to achieve and maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the residence related to laundry services. Must have a complete understanding of and practice infection control policies and ensure staff are provided with adequate equipment and supplies appropriate to provide the delivery of the service.

Transferable Experience

May also oversee Housekeeping department, depending on the structure of the home.

Education Required

N/A

Management Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Management Careers in Retirement Homes

Executive Director
Also known as General Manager

Oversee day-to-day operations of the retirement home including but not limited to management of human, physical and financial resources, ensuring high-quality care for residents, ensuring staff and residence is compliant with applicable regulations, liaise and consult with inspectors/professionals/stakeholders in relation to the operation of the residence and provide strategic leadership, and motivation to the staff.

Transferable Experience

May work with Office Manager to assist with answering inquiries, and maintaining financial, personnel and resident data, and compliance of related regulations and policies (e.g., Retirement Homes Act, etc.)

Education Required
  • Diploma or Degree in nursing, social work, gerontology, hospitality, business, or a related field
  • Labour Relations Certificate
  • Retirement Community Management Certificate
Office Administrator
Also known as Office Manager

Assist with day-to-day operations for financials including accounting and payroll for the residence while maintaining confidentiality of all financial, personnel and resident data. May have direct reports including Office Administrators, Reception and/or Concierge and other office staff.

Transferable Experience

May report and work with the General Manager/head departments on operational budgets and HR policies/best practices fror staff. May also work with the Marketing Manager to produce related documentations for residents and carrying out tours of the residence.

Education Required
  • Diploma or Certificate in business, accounting, bookkeeping, or a related field
Sales and Marketing Manager

Develop and implement sales and marketing plans to drive occupancy of prospective residents into the residence, meeting financial targets. Conduct community outreaches as needed. Provide regular communication to management team regarding upcoming potential move-ins/outs and status of resident population. Complete and maintain residency-related documentation. Provide tours and manage overall leasing process from start to finish.

Transferable Experience

May work with Activity/Recreation department to schedule special functions (e.g., holiday events, etc.)

Education Required
  • Diploma or Certificate in marketing, public relations, or a related field

Leadership Jobs in Retirement Homes

Overview of Leadership Careers in Retirement Homes – Learn more by visiting ORCA’s Leadership Series webpage.

Chief Executive Officer
Also known as President

Responsible for managing the organization’s overall operations, including leading the development of strategic business plans, driving profitability, managing company organizational structure, and strategy, and communicating with the Board of Directors if applicable.

Transferable Experience

Experience in leadership roles within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing sectors.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in health care, health administration, business administration, or a related field
Chief Financial Officer
Also known as Vice President of Finance

Responsible for providing strategic business and financial leadership to the retirement home and/or chain, including budgeting, financial forecasting and planning, reporting, and more.

Transferable Experience

Experience in the financial landscape within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing sectors.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in finance, accounting, economics or a related field
  • CPA designation an asset
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Also known as Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Responsible for the overall marketing, sales, and communications of all retirement communities within the organization, driving long-term trust, growth and profitability.

Transferable Experience

Previous marketing, sales, and/or communications experience within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing industry sectors.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in marketing, business administration, communications, or a related field
Chief Operating Officer
Also known as Vice President of Operations

Oversee all operations within the retirement home/chain. This role provides a significant leadership presence for the support office and leadership, direction, and support to the operations team.

Transferable Experience

Operational experience within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing industry sector.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in business administration or a related field
Chief People Officer
Also known as Vice President of Human Resources

Responsible for managing the overall strategy and processes related to recruiting and retaining the retirement home and/or chain’s team. Their job is to optimize people-centered activities such as hiring, training, professional development, and performance management to ensure efforts support the organization’s growth and bottom line.

Transferable Experience

Previous recruitment experience within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing industry sectors.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field
  • CHRP and/or CHRL designation are considered assets
Chief Information Officer
Also known as Vice President of Information and/or Technology

Responsible for managing and successfully implementing the information and computer technology of a retirement home and/or chain. Their job is to examine the short and long-term needs of an organization and utilizes capital to make investments designed to help the organization reach its objectives.

Transferable Experience

Previous IT experience within the seniors care, congregate living, healthcare, hospitality, or multi-unit housing industry sector.

Education Required
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in information technology, computer science, business administration, or a related field

Find a Job Now

Get in touch with a local retirement home to find out if they’re hiring, or chat with them about future opportunities. Visit our Find a Home page to locate a home near you!

Testimonials

“There are many opportunities available within the retirement community sector that lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers. If you are seeking meaningful employment, where every day you work as a team to have a positive impact on the lives of seniors, who are most deserving, I encourage you to reach out to a residence in your area.” Holly, General Manager

“Retirement living is a beautiful sector to be in. I love the joy we bring to our residents’ lives, how much our teams truly care and the passion they have, and how much I have learned from those around me. In my 19-year healthcare career, I have truly been blessed to serve and support our residents, families, and team members – that is worth everything.” Wendy, Talent Acquisition Specialist

“Working in a retirement home allows me to interact with some of the most fascinating people from all walks of life. I learn each resident’s different likes and dislikes and can enhance their lives, even in trivial ways. That gives me a feeling of accomplishment. Bringing a smile to their faces and making them feel that they are my priority, is my goal every day.” Dilmeet, Care Team Coordinator

“I’ve been working in the sector since high school. I loved it so much, I pursued my education in Gerontology at McMaster. The ability to learn and grow is tremendous, all while building relationships with some amazing people. Our senior population has so much knowledge and love to share. It’s an opportunity to learn about business and human connection in the same field.” Kerri, Director of Operations

“After working as a PSW in a retirement home for the past 5 years, I can confidently say that it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with the residents who live here, and I take pride in the fact that I’ve been able to make a positive impact on their lives. I’ve learned so much about healthcare and patient care. I work alongside a team of other healthcare professionals who have helped me develop my skills and knowledge. But what I love most about working here is the bond I’ve formed with the residents. They’ve become like family to me, and I cherish the moments we’ve shared together.” – Victoria, PSW/Restorative Care Aid

“I have been working at Riverstone Oakpark since August 5, 2008, and started with the company two weeks before the official opening of the building. I love working in this retirement home because it is a very happy environment, all the residents are friendly and very happy, and we always accommodate their requests and needs. To work in a retirement home, you must have a passion to work with the elderly and love helping people.” Samira, Food Services Manager

Build a Career

Vocational and Employment Service Provider Collaborations:

Below is a list of opportunities hosted by ORCA partners that aim to educate, inform, and inspire the retirement community sector and individuals interested in it!

Achēv

Achēv brings together leading employment, newcomer settlement, youth, specialized programs for newcomer and racialized women and language assessment services under one roof to make it easy for their clients to get the support they need.  They are one of the largest providers of these services in the GTA.  Every day, they focus on helping their clients achieve their goals.

For over 30 years, Achēv has developed a strong track record of fostering employment readiness and connecting people to jobs. They get Ontarians working through their Employment Service Centres and specialized programs that include wrap-around supports for people facing multiple barriers to employment.  Each year, they combine their employment expertise and deep relationships with over 3,600 employers to connect their clients with jobs.

 

For Job Seekers: Achēv’s staffing experts assist individuals in taking the next step towards securing and maintaining a job. From employment preparation workshops to career coaching and placement services, they offer the tools, training and support necessary to establish a new career or train for a better job.

For Employers: As one of the largest providers of employment and newcomer services in the GTA, Achēv has a pipeline of highly skilled and diverse talent that businesses need to be competitive. They also support employers in securing training grants to build the skills their employees need to remain competitive.

ORCA & Achēv

ORCA and Achēv worked together on a pilot project, “Milestones to Employment for Newcomer Women” that prepared a group of visible minority newcomer women for jobs in senior living. Participants were women who may otherwise be unlikely to make the transition to employment on their own. This program focused on continued long-term employment, and has been extended into 2022/23.

Additionally, ORCA and Achēv are collaborating on a second project, “Workforce Pathways for Women in Senior Care” to support the workforce development of women into sustainable careers in retirement homes. Through training delivered by both groups, the project aims to assist marginalized and racialized women in roles as Unregulated Care Providers/Care Aides, Dietary Aides and Housekeepers. This project includes work placements within retirement homes.

Learn more about Achēv please visit: www.achev.ca

To learn more about ORCA’s collaboration with Achēv, including the opportunity to host work placements, please contact ORCA at  info@orcaretirement.com.

WCG Services (WCG International Consultants Ltd.)

WCG Services is an industry leader in developing and delivering employment and vocational rehabilitation services across Canada. For more than 25 years WCG has been partnering with governments and local service delivery organizations to create sustainable employment opportunities for people, businesses and communities. WCG is a trusted and high performing partner for governments and other stakeholders. In the last year alone, WCG has supported over 30,000 people across Canada to improve their lives.

In partnership with Employment Ontario (Peel Region), WCG helps job seekers find employment. Their goal is to attract, develop and retain employees from diverse backgrounds who have exceptional ability. WCG’s services include one-to-one career planning, assessing current skills, abilities and interests with local labour demand, job search advice and training, and ongoing support for 12 months after job start to ensure job seekers’ continued success.

 

For Job Seekers: WCG works collaboratively with service delivery organizations and other stakeholders to develop effective pathways to sustainable employment for anyone seeking employment, including those receiving social assistance, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, youth and Francophones.

For Employers: WCG’s responsive and community-based approach provides employers with candidates who have the skills, training and attitude needed to help local businesses succeed.

ORCA & WCG

To enhance employability and upskill prospective employees, ORCA has collaborated with WCG to support job seekers with gaining sector essential and technical skills training through ORCA’s The Learning Centre for Senior Living (TLC), so they are job ready for a career in the retirement homes sector. Learning records will be provided for each participant to provide evidence to future employers of their successful completion of required training. Together, the collaboration is intended to build a new workforce pool to support the retirement homes sector and create opportunities for eligible participants to be employed in Ontario.

Learn more about WCG here: www.wcgservices.com. To learn more about ORCA’s collaboration with WCG, please contact ORCA at info@orcaretirement.com.

Education Leading to Employment:

There are many diverse program streams to choose from that will help you to build a rewarding career in retirement living. Browse post-secondary schools and programs now using our interactive map below.

Interested in getting involved in the sector earlier? Check out the Ontario School Board PSW Programs.

Want more info?  Contact us at info@orcaretirement.com.

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