As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to shutter businesses around the country, a record 6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits during the week ending in March 28. However, this could prove to be a benefit to industries like seniors housing that were struggling to find quality workers when unemployment was at historic lows just a few weeks ago.
Sunshine Retirement, Integral Senior Living and Solstice Senior Living all sent out press releases noting that they are hiring for hundreds of open positions, including care, service and management jobs at their seniors housing communities.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, Sunshine Retirement Living has deployed a two-fold approach in order to have the most positive impact on their communities,” the Sunshine release states. “Sunshine Retirement Living has: 1) heightened infection prevention protocols above and beyond CDC guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of its residents and existing employees; and 2) committed to focus on hiring people within those cities, who have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.”
Sunshine adds that all interviews will be conducted virtually or over the phone, and that all new employees will undergo strict CDC screening to detect any signs of illness before entering a community.
Based in Bend, Oregon, Sunshine Retirement Living manages 32 retirement communities in 16 states.
“We know that there are a lot of displaced workers out there right now, and we want to do our part to help by offering employment opportunities to those who have lost their jobs,” says Collette Gray, president and CEO of both Integral and Solstice. “The health and well-being of our residents is our top priority, and our associates are at the heart of caring for our country’s most vulnerable population. Because of COVID-19, we’re in need of passionate, hardworking people more than ever.”
Integral and Solstice have senior living communities in 20 states. They plan to hire more than 300 new associates for many positions in all of their communities, including housekeepers, chefs, cooks, wait staff, dishwashers, activities and building services.