Senior Living Facility Administrator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s rapidly aging society, the importance of senior living facility administrators has never been greater.

As the population ages, the need for skilled professionals who can manage, enhance, and ensure the quality of life in senior living facilities becomes ever more crucial.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a senior living facility administrator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of senior living facility administration,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable senior living facility administrator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Senior Living Facility Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Senior Living Facility Administrators are responsible for the overall operations and management of senior living facilities, ensuring the safety and comfort of residents, and compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the senior living facility
• Ensure the facility complies with all federal, state, and local regulations
• Develop and implement policies and procedures in the facility
• Manage budgets and financial operations, including patient billing
• Interview, hire, train and supervise facility staff
• Coordinate and plan health services for residents
• Assess the health needs and wellbeing of residents, ensuring they have access to appropriate care
• Facilitate communication between staff, residents, and family members
• Handle resident complaints and resolve any issues
• Ensure the facility remains clean, safe, and well-maintained
• Monitor and report any changes in residents’ health conditions to healthcare professionals
• Organize social activities for residents to maintain a positive environment
• Participate in the development of disaster plans and emergency procedures

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Living Facility Administrator to oversee all operations, staff, budgets, and functions of our senior living community.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with seniors and a proven track record in facility management.

The Senior Living Facility Administrator will be responsible for managing staff, overseeing facility maintenance, developing budgets, and setting the standard for quality care.

The successful candidate should also be able to handle emergency situations and ensure the facility complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the facility, including staffing, budgeting, and maintaining a safe environment for residents
• Ensure that the facility is in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff, including conducting performance evaluations and addressing any issues or concerns
• Develop and implement policies and procedures, including emergency response procedures
• Coordinate with medical professionals to ensure residents receive necessary healthcare
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the facility
• Resolve any issues or concerns raised by residents or their families
• Plan and coordinate social activities for residents

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a managerial role at a senior living facility or healthcare setting
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to senior living facilities
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations and emergencies
• Ability to pass a background check
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Services, Business Administration, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Senior Living Facility Administrator
• Work Environment: This role requires on-site presence at the senior living facility, with some evening and weekend hours required. Some travel may be necessary for training or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Board of Directors or Owner of the facility.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Senior Living Facility Administrator Do?

Senior Living Facility Administrators primarily manage and oversee the operations of nursing homes, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and other types of senior living facilities.

Their main role is to ensure the overall well-being and care of the senior residents.

They coordinate healthcare services, manage staff, and control budgets.

They work closely with medical staff, nurses, and caregivers to create individualized care plans for residents.

They also collaborate with dietitians to ensure proper nutrition for the residents.

Facility administrators are often responsible for hiring, training, and supervising staff.

They ensure that all employees are following state and federal regulations regarding senior care.

They also coordinate and oversee a variety of activities and social events to foster a positive and engaging environment for the residents.

In addition, senior living facility administrators often serve as the main point of contact for residents’ families.

They address any concerns, answer questions, and provide updates about the residents’ health and well-being.

Compliance with health and safety regulations is another key responsibility.

They also handle administrative tasks such as maintaining records of the residents’ medical histories and overseeing billing processes.

Ultimately, the senior living facility administrator is responsible for ensuring the facility provides high-quality care and a positive living environment for seniors.

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Qualifications and Skills

A Senior Living Facility Administrator must possess a variety of managerial, interpersonal, and technical skills to effectively run the facility and ensure the well-being of its residents, including:

• Strong leadership and administrative skills to manage the daily operations of the facility, including staffing, financial management, and scheduling.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to interact with staff, residents, and their families. This includes being empathetic, patient, and understanding, as they will often be dealing with individuals who may have physical or cognitive impairments.
• Problem-solving skills to handle any issues or conflicts that may arise among staff or residents, and devise solutions that are in the best interest of everyone involved.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations as well as state and federal laws pertaining to senior care facilities to ensure compliance and provide a safe, healthy environment for residents.
• Financial management skills to effectively manage the facility’s budget, including planning for future needs and ensuring the financial stability of the facility.
• Experience with medical terminology and healthcare administration, as they will be working closely with healthcare providers and may need to make decisions related to the medical care of residents.
• Organizational and time-management skills to efficiently schedule staff, manage residents’ needs, and keep the facility running smoothly.
• Ability to handle stress and stay calm in emergency situations, providing reassurance and direction to staff and residents.

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Experience Requirements

Senior Living Facility Administrators typically require a significant amount of experience in the health care or elder care industry.

This can start with entry-level roles in senior living facilities or nursing homes, where they gain practical knowledge of the industry and its unique challenges.

Typically, candidates should have at least 3 to 5 years of experience in an administrative or supervisory role within a healthcare or senior care facility.

This helps to ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the operational and care needs of a senior living facility.

During these years, they should have gained experience in areas such as staff supervision, budgeting, facility operations, healthcare regulations and compliance, as well as resident relations.

Prior experience in managing a team is often required, as the role involves overseeing staff across various departments.

Those with more than 5 to 7 years of senior care management experience may be particularly well-suited for the position, as they would have likely dealt with the complex issues that can arise in senior living facilities and would have demonstrated leadership skills.

In addition to the professional experience, a degree in health administration, nursing or a related field is often required.

Some positions may also require administrators to be licensed in their state.

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Education and Training Requirements

Senior Living Facility Administrators generally require a bachelor’s degree in health service administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or a related field.

A strong foundation in subjects such as gerontology, health care management, and health services law and ethics is essential.

Some positions may require a master’s degree in a relevant field, particularly for larger facilities or those with a more complex organizational structure.

In addition to the degree, most states also require Senior Living Facility Administrators to be licensed.

Licensing criteria vary by state, but typically includes passing a state-administered exam and completing a state-approved training program.

Internships or supervised administrative experience in a health care facility are also highly desirable, offering hands-on experience with the challenges and responsibilities of the role.

Continuous professional development is crucial in this field due to the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, changes in laws and regulations, and the growing needs of the aging population.

Therefore, administrators are often encouraged to pursue further education or certification programs.

Lastly, successful Senior Living Facility Administrators are often those with excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, as they oversee staff and interact with residents and their families on a regular basis.

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Senior Living Facility Administrator is $76,285 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, the size and location of the facility, and the complexity of the responsibilities involved in the role.

 

Senior Living Facility Administrator Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Senior Living Facility Administrator need?

Senior Living Facility Administrators must hold a bachelor’s degree in health administration, business administration, or a related field.

Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

They are also required to be licensed in the state where they work.

In addition to formal education, they must have experience in healthcare administration, preferably in senior care.

 

What are the duties of a Senior Living Facility Administrator?

A Senior Living Facility Administrator is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a senior living facility.

This includes ensuring the facility meets all state and federal regulations, creating budgets, hiring and training staff, overseeing patient care, liaising with families, and implementing programs and services to enhance the quality of life for residents.

 

What qualities make a good Senior Living Facility Administrator?

A good Senior Living Facility Administrator is compassionate and has strong leadership skills.

They must also have excellent communication skills to liaise with staff, residents, and their families.

A keen attention to detail is required to ensure the facility adheres to all regulations.

They should also be adept at problem-solving and decision making, as they are often required to make important decisions about patient care and facility management.

 

What should you look for in a Senior Living Facility Administrator resume?

When evaluating a resume for a Senior Living Facility Administrator role, look for evidence of education in healthcare or business administration, experience in healthcare management, preferably in senior care, and a valid administrator’s license.

Strong leadership experience, budget management, and experience dealing with regulatory compliance should also be highlighted.

A successful candidate should also demonstrate a history of effective communication and problem-solving skills.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Senior Living Facility Administrator?

Hiring a Senior Living Facility Administrator can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required for the role.

It is crucial to find a candidate who not only possesses the necessary educational and professional background, but also has the interpersonal skills, compassion, and dedication to ensure the wellbeing of the facility’s residents.

Offering competitive salary and benefits can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of being a Senior Living Facility Administrator.

Guess what?

It’s not just about managing the day-to-day operations.

It’s about fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, one decision at a time.

With our comprehensive Senior Living Facility Administrator job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why settle here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable guide to creating precision-crafted listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every decision made contributes to a better quality of life for our senior residents.

Let’s cultivate that environment. Together.

How to Become a Senior Living Facility Administrator (Complete Guide)

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