Employers

Adult day care coordinators work at adult day care centers. These may be small or large. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that there are approximately 389,800 social and human service assistants employed in the United States, and 14 percent work in residential care facilities and community and vocational rehabilitation services. It is estimated that there are approximately 5,000 adult day care programs currently operating in the United States. Most of them are operated on a nonprofit or public basis, and many are affiliated with large organizations such as nursing homes, hospitals, or multipurpose senior organizations. Standards and work environments vary.

Starting Out

In looking for a position as an adult day care coordinator, candidates should first locate and contact all such programs in the area. Checking the local yellow pages under nursing homes, residential care facilities, aging services, or senior citizens services should provide a list of leads. The job seeker might either send a resume and cover letter or call these potential employers directly. Prospective coordinators should also watch for job openings listed in area newspapers and on organizations' Web sites.

Another means of finding job leads is to become affiliated with a professional association, such as the American Geriatrics Society, LeadingAge, the Gerontological Society of America, or the National Council on Aging. Many of these organizations publish monthly or quarterly newsletters that list job opportunities. Some may even have job banks or referral services.

Job seekers who have received associate's or bachelor's degrees should also check with the career services offices at their colleges or universities.

Because the field of aging-related services continues to grow, the potential for advancement for adult day care coordinators is good. Some coordinators advance by transferring to a larger center that pays better wages. Others eventually start their own centers. Still others advance by moving into management positions in other, similar social service organizations, such as nursing homes, hospices, or government agencies on aging.

An adult day care coordinator might choose to return to school and complete a higher degree, often a master's degree in social work. For those who choose this option, there are many career opportunities in the field of social services. Social workers, for example, work with individuals and families dealing with AIDS, cancer, or other debilitating illnesses. They also work for agencies offering various types of counseling, rehabilitation, or crisis intervention.

Join professional associations such as the National Adult Day Services Association to access training and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• https://www.careerbuilder.com
• https://www.indeed.com
• https://www.simplyhired.com
• https://www.monster.com

Participate in geriatric-care related internships or part-time jobs that are arranged by your college’s career services office. 

Conduct information interviews with adult day care coordinators and ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.