At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we believe in growing our team from within. Whether you start in dining, caregiving, life enrichment, or hospitality, your journey doesn’t end at entry-level. It begins there.
Our approach to senior living career progression is clear and structured, with mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities designed to support ambitious individuals who want to build a long-term career in a loving and purpose-driven environment.
Your Path Forward Starts on Day One
From the moment you join our team, we begin planning your future.
During onboarding, new team members receive:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced peers
- Department-specific training with opportunities to shadow leaders
- Goal-setting conversations to identify interests and development paths
- Cross-functional exposure to help you find your best fit within the community
This early support lays the foundation for advancement, whether you want to stay in your department or grow into a leadership role elsewhere within the community.
Real Progression: Entry-Level Roles That Lead to More
Many of our team members begin in essential support roles. With time, dedication, and guidance, they take on more responsibility and step confidently into leadership.
Common career paths include:
- Dining Aide → Lead Server → Dining Room Supervisor
- Care Partner → Med Tech → Memory Care Shift Lead or Supervisor
- Life Enrichment Assistant → Program Coordinator → Enrichment Director
These transitions typically happen over 12 to 36 months, depending on role and readiness. Regular check-ins, documented growth goals, and internal promotions make the next step feel attainable and supported.
How We Promote: Metrics That Matter
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, career growth is built on both initiative and support.
Our leadership team looks at several factors when identifying candidates for promotion:
- Consistency in high-quality, compassionate care
- Peer collaboration and communication
- Willingness to take on new challenges or assist in other departments
- Completion of in-house training workshops or certifications
- Positive impact on resident life and team morale
We don’t just recognize technical skill, we recognize potential, leadership behaviors, and the desire to grow.
Growth Tools and Leadership Development Opportunities
For those actively pursuing the next step in their careers, we offer:
- Leadership Essentials Workshops: A series focused on time management, delegation, and conflict resolution
- Mentor-Mentee Pairings: Ongoing one-on-one support from supervisors or team leads
- Clinical Advancement Tracks: For CNAs and Med Techs pursuing nursing roles
- Department Head Training: For team members preparing for supervisor or manager positions
These tools aren’t reserved for long-time employees. Any team member showing interest and commitment can enter a growth track within their first year.
Cross-Training: A Launchpad for Discovery and Advancement
One of the unique ways team members grow at The Kensington Sierra Madre is through cross-training, an opportunity to work alongside different departments to explore new interests and build valuable, transferable skills.
For example, a care partner might assist the life enrichment team with setting up programs, discovering a talent for engaging residents in creative activities.
A dining aide might shadow a Med Tech to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical aspects of resident care, sparking an interest in pursuing a CNA certification.
This hands-on exposure allows team members to:
- Build confidence in unfamiliar roles
- Discover hidden talents or passions
- Improve communication across departments
- Strengthen their long-term career vision
By stepping outside their initial job scope, team members gain a broader understanding of how the community functions and where they might want to grow next.
Cross-training isn’t just a skill-building exercise; it’s a powerful way to uncover the next step in your career.
The Role of Mentorship in Our Culture
Mentorship isn’t just a phase of onboarding, it’s a daily part of life at The Kensington Sierra Madre. New team members are introduced to experienced peers who guide them, answer questions, and model how to build strong relationships with residents.
Mentors provide:
- Constructive feedback during training
- Insight into how to handle real-world caregiving or service challenges
- Encouragement to pursue certifications or expand into other departments
- A personal connection that makes growth feel possible and supported
This mentorship culture is one of the reasons so many team members choose to stay and rise within our community.
Why Team Members Stay and Advance with Us
Team members often say they stay not just for the residents, but for the sense of community among coworkers and leaders.
When surveyed, they cite:
- Feeling recognized for their contributions
- Knowing there’s room to grow
- Being supported during life changes or new responsibilities
- Feeling like part of a family, not just a team
Career growth happens naturally in an environment where people are encouraged, listened to, and uplifted every day.
National Insights on Career Progression in Caregiving
If you’re curious about how senior care careers are evolving, PHI National offers excellent resources on job quality and workforce development for direct care workers.
Their research highlights how strong training, mentoring, and career ladders, like the ones we offer, can lead to long-term career satisfaction.
Ready to Begin Your Senior Living Career Journey?
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we don’t just offer jobs, we build futures. Our approach to senior living career progression is built on trust, opportunity, and a deep respect for each team member’s unique journey.
If you’re ready to grow in a community where your efforts are seen, your goals are supported, and your future is wide open, explore open senior living roles and apply today.
Let’s grow together, starting now!