Expo Emphasizes Oak Crest’s Career-for-Life Philosophy

Keisha Morris began her career at Oak Crest two years ago as a medical assistant in the Parkville-based Erickson Senior Living community’s onsite Employee Health and Well-Being Center. While she continues to thrive in her current position, Morris is embracing Erickson’s career-for-life philosophy and preparing for her next role in Information Technology.

“Information Technology was something that really interests me. I’m excited that I will be able to use the knowledge and skills that I have gained as a medical assistant and incorporate the IT side,” says Morris.

Morris is among the 16,000-plus Erickson Senior Living team members nationwide who enjoy a fun and meaningful career with opportunities and support to advance and achieve their goals.

Through training and professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and benefits such as reimbursement for higher education, trade schools, and certifications, Oak Crest provides team members with the tools to advance in roles throughout the company.

Morris is currently enrolled in IT classes, working towards her degree, and aiming to secure a position in the IT department.

“I love the fact that there is tuition reimbursement so that I take the classes I need to achieve my goal and I don’t have to worry about paying for it,” says Morris.

Engaged and happy

As one of the five largest senior living providers in the United States, Erickson believes career growth opportunities are essential to keep team members engaged and happy. To support this, each community hosts an internal Career Expo. At these events, team members can learn about exciting ways to advance their careers within the Erickson organization.

“Our goal is to provide our talented and diverse team members with a meaningful work experience that matches their interests and goals,” said Nicole Walker, Chief Human Resources Officer for Erickson Senior Living. “This is why we created the 2024 Internal Career Expo Series across the enterprise. As a growth company with a bright future, we strive to be an employer of choice by providing our team members with the resources to cultivate the career they personally desire at Erickson Senior Living.”

The Career Expo provides a one-stop shop for learning about these resources and connecting participants with leaders and peers who have built careers for life with Erickson. Team members also learn to map a development path and access skill-building opportunities. For Morris, that meant networking with the regional IT professionals regarding future opportunities.

“The Expo was a good way to learn about the different departments at Oak Crest,” says Morris. “After the Expo, I participated in a separate event for the IT Department where I learned specifically about the available jobs and requirements for each role.”

Plenty of perks

In addition to job growth opportunities, Oak Crest’s generous employee benefits and rewards package includes a full range of services that enable employees to enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

“They really care about your overall well-being. We have the onsite Employee Health and Wellness Clinic, a fitness center where you can work out before or after work, and they even offer rebates on fitness related purchases like sneakers,” says Morris.

Construction is underway at two additional Erickson Senior Living locations: The Grandview in Bethesda, Maryland, and Emerson Lakes in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. As Erickson continues to grow, prioritizing team member growth and retention is essential to continuing to bring Erickson’s unique lifestyle to more seniors across the country.

“I love the fact that I am making a difference when I come to work every day. I feel like I am in a space where I can grow and give back,” says Morris.

To learn more about the career opportunities at Oak Crest and apply online, visit www.ericksonseniorlivingcareers.com