Discover how a role in senior living can grow into a rewarding, long-term career. Explore the mentorship, training, and advancement opportunities waiting for you.
At The Kensington Falls Church, career progression isn’t just a possibility, it’s a promise. We believe in growing our team from within, offering pathways for every passionate professional, whether they’re just starting out or ready to take the next big step.
From caregivers and dining aides to department leaders and clinical supervisors, our community is designed to nurture potential and reward dedication.If you’re searching for senior living career progression, this article maps out the support, structure, and success stories that make The Kensington Falls Church a springboard for long-term growth.
Step One: Entry-Level Roles That Open Doors
Many team members begin their journey at The Kensington Falls Church in entry-level positions such as:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Care Partner
- Dining Aide
- Activities Assistant
- Housekeeping or Maintenance Associate
These roles offer a strong foundation in senior care, helping new team members develop key skills in resident engagement, time management, and collaborative teamwork.
What makes The Kensington Falls Church unique is how early, and consistently growth conversations happen.
Managers check in regularly to discuss goals and recommend training, so even in your first months, your future is already in focus.
Real Pathways, Real Progress
Imagine starting as a dining aide and discovering a passion for memory care. At The Kensington Falls Church, that discovery doesn’t go unnoticed, it’s nurtured.
Through hands-on experience, shadowing opportunities, and performance coaching, team members can transition between departments.
A dining aide may explore life enrichment programming. A care partner may become a medication technician. A CNA might go on to pursue a license in nursing, supported every step of the way.
We’ve seen team members move into leadership roles within 12 to 24 months, thanks to:
- Open access to training and certification resources
- One-on-one mentorship with seasoned professionals
- Transparent promotion timelines and evaluation criteria
- Internal job postings prioritized for current team members
This isn’t theoretical—it’s how we grow our leadership bench every year.
Kensington’s Career Ladder: Structured Advancement
To ensure fairness and transparency, The Kensington Falls Church has built a career ladder that outlines advancement routes within each department.
This structure helps team members visualize their future and understand what’s needed at every level.
For example, in caregiving:
- Care Partner or CNA
- Lead Care Partner
- Neighborhood Supervisor
- Assistant Director of Nursing
- Director of Nursing or Clinical Operations
In dining services:
- Dining Aide or Server
- Lead Server
- Dining Room Manager
- Director of Dining Services
In life enrichment:
- Activities Assistant
- Lead Activities Associate
- Neighborhood Program Coordinator
- Director of Life Enrichment
With each promotion comes additional mentorship, responsibility, and compensation. Every rung on the ladder is supported by hands-on training, manager feedback, and goal-setting check-ins.
Training, Certifications, and Sponsorships
Investing in team development is central to our mission.
That’s why we offer:
- CPR and First Aid certification (on-site training sessions)
- Medication Technician training
- PAC (Positive Approach to Care) dementia care training
- Leadership development workshops
- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
For example, a CNA interested in nursing may receive flexible scheduling to attend classes, tuition support, and mentorship from our current nursing leadership.
Similarly, an Activities Assistant may shadow a Program Coordinator and receive training in dementia-friendly activity planning before stepping into a lead role.
A Culture That Champions Internal Growth
Career progression doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it happens in a culture that values trust, transparency, and empowerment. At The Kensington Falls Church, we’re intentional about promoting from within and recognizing achievements along the way.
Team huddles, performance reviews, and cross-department collaborations all serve as opportunities to spotlight emerging talent. Leadership is encouraged to mentor, not just manage. And when someone shows initiative, we make room for them to grow.
As a result, many of our current supervisors and department heads began in front-line roles. Their success stories reinforce what’s possible for everyone.
The Long-Term View: Careers That Evolve with You
The senior living field is full of possibilities. Whether your passion lies in hands-on caregiving, operations, hospitality, or health services, The Kensington Falls Church helps you explore multiple directions, without needing to leave the community to advance.
Some team members pursue leadership, while others become subject-matter experts or choose roles that allow for better work-life balance as their personal lives evolve. The key is that we work with you to find the path that fits.
Senior living isn’t just a job, it’s a career with staying power, impact, and growth. And with the rising demand for memory care and assisted living nationwide, professionals with Kensington experience are valued far beyond our walls.
The Power of Career Advancement
Caregiving roles with opportunities for skill development and promotion lead to significantly higher retention and job satisfaction. This aligns with our belief that when team members feel seen, supported, and challenged, they stay and thrive.
Ready to Grow? Start at The Kensington Falls Church
If you’re searching for a career that rewards your passion and challenges you to grow, consider joining our community.
From your very first day, you’ll be part of a team that’s committed to your success, not just today, but for every chapter ahead.
Explore open caregiving roles with The Kensington Falls Church and see how far you can go.