What’s it Like to be a Residential Coordinator at ACR Homes?
Are you looking for your first career level job after graduating from college? Finding the right one can be a daunting task. Of course you'll want something you enjoy, but it also needs to build your resume in a meaningful way, make a difference in the lives of others, provide work-life balance, and compensate you fairly.
We caught up with ACR Homes' Residential Coordinator, Josephine Gust, who was recently in the same place you might be in now. We asked her "what's it like to be a Residential Coordinator at ACR Homes"? Based on her experience, working at ACR Homes has turned out to be a great job as a recent college graduate. We hope you'll read and consider if it might be a great fit for your first job out of college too.
ACR Homes is a group home company that cares for people with disabilities in the Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. Instead of owning a large facility where lots of people live and receive care, we're able to provide higher quality and more personalized care by allowing our residents the opportunity to live in residential homes across the community. Typically, only four residents live in each home, and we usually have two Direct Care Professional (DCP) staff scheduled to care for them. For further support, you'll always find a Registered Nurse on-call, and either the Residential Supervisor, Residential Coordinator, or another trusted staff member living on site at the home. At ACR Homes we're not just focused on high quality medical care (although that's extremely important to us). We want to see our residents thrive in all areas of life including activities, outings, and social engagements.
The Residential Coordinator role is a perfect job for recent college graduates because it's an entry level position that blends elements of caregiving with leadership. Not only will you be able to support our residents through hands-on care and relationship building, but you'll start gaining leadership skills by helping the group home supervisor (Residential Supervisor) with the administrative tasks that keep our group homes running well. Learn more by reading Josephine's Q & A below.
What does being a Residential Coordinator look like on a weekly basis?
I am a part-time RC (*full-time is also available), so I work two direct care shifts/week with one day of administrative work. Part of my administrative responsibilities involve having weekly meetings with the Residential Supervisor to keep the group home running smoothly. I'll also ensure that weekly medications are ordered, delivered, and are properly accounted for. Additionally, I ensure our residents have consistent access to nutritious food by grocery shopping for the house.
Being a Residential Coordinator also involves supporting our residents and staff members emotionally. One way I do that as an RC is by ensuring our Direct Care Professionals feel confident and supported. I'm on-call two weekends a month, which involves filling in for open shifts and answering important caregiving questions. I also spend time listening to any cares or concerns my residents want addressed and then the Residential Supervisor and I set up a plan to accommodate them.
How is this job related to your major in college?
What is your favorite thing about being a Residential Coordinator?
My favorite part of the job is the relationships I have formed with my residents. They trust and rely on me to make sure they get what they need. I also love making them smile!
What is the hardest part about being a Residential Coordinator?
The hardest part of the job for me is when I sometimes have to tell a resident no. Working as a Residential Coordinator involves finding a balance between ensuring everything gets done during a shift while also making sure our residents get to go out and do fun things. Unfortunately, an outing can't happen on every shift and I feel bad if that upsets a resident.
How is the Residential Coordinator role different than being a Direct Care Professional?
The Residential Coordinator role allows me to do behind-the-scenes administrative work. This allows me to help the residents I support in a deeper way because I am working on a more detailed level than a Direct Care Professional.
What does your work-life balance look like?
Between both of my part time jobs (one at ACR and one elsewhere), I work about 40 hours/week, which still leaves me time to do whatever I want in my free time! I initially assumed that being on-call means you couldn't do much besides be ready to work, but that isn't true. I rarely miss out on plans I make with other people while on-call!
What do you wish you knew before starting this job?
This might sound funny, but that it is good to be a little scared before starting this job! Our actions directly affect vulnerable people. Worrying about affecting someone means you are compassionate, not that you aren't a good fit for the role. This job has a learning curve of about 3 months. However, I felt like it took me even longer until I felt comfortable. When I started, I didn't think I would be able to handle it, but I gave it a shot, and I am so thankful I did! I have come a long way since I started, so my advice would be that it is okay to be afraid.
What qualities do you possess that make you a great Residential Coordinator?
I am dependable, honest, and hardworking! It is important for an RC to be an exemplar employee.
How does this job prepare you for your long-term career goals?
I am still figuring out my exact career path, but the Residential Coordinator position has given me lots of experience that would be useful in future job applications, specifically, experience in on-call and leadership.
What has made you feel successful in this job as it relates to resident wellbeing?
My residents and their guardians have expressed faith in me being in-charge. One of my residents told me that when I am around, everything feels connected. I think about her comment a lot because it was such a sweet thing to say! This moment made me feel like I am doing things right.
What's your favorite memory from working at ACR Homes?
I have lots of good memories from working here, but one of my favorites was taking my resident to an event in her hometown. She got to hang out with her family and best friend (her housemate who came with us). Her family treated me like they had known me for years; it was a special feeling.
What valuable skills have you gained from this job?
The most valuable mental skills I have gained from this role are patience and staying composed. It is important to be patient and remain calm in stress situations when working with vulnerable adults. For physical skills, I have been trained in proper use of various equipment such as an AED, oxygen tanks, and G-tubes!
For more information about the Residential Coordinator role at ACR Homes, or to apply, please visit the Residential Coordinator Job Description.