Oak Crest Benefits Attract the Best and Brightest

In 2009, Brittany Karabetis took a part-time job with the catering department at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living-managed community in Catonsville, Maryland. She didn’t know it then, but that decision launched a career with the company that now spans fifteen years. 

“A friend of mine was a catering manager at Charlestown and said he needed help with big events like weddings, so he hired me to work as needed,” says Karabetis.

That part-time catering gig led to a full-time position as a dining manager at Oak Crest, another Erickson Senior Living-managed community in Parkville, Maryland. While volunteering as a tour guide at sales events in her free time, the Oak Crest sales director recognized Karabetis’ natural ability to connect with prospective residents and encouraged her to apply for an opening as a sales associate.  

“I was still in college working on my degree,” says Karabetis. “It was a new endeavor for me, but I was already familiar with the sales team and I trusted that they would be there for me while I was training and to answer my questions.”

Karabetis is not alone. Thousands of talented people have built their careers at Erickson Senior Living communities while enjoying a full range of unmatched benefits and perks that enable them to have a healthy work-life balance, plan for their future financial security, and take advantage of meaningful training opportunities, and ladders to career success.

Offering competitive benefits is a key differentiator for senior living providers looking to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. A recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 60 percent of employees said that benefits are ‘extremely or very important’ when considering to stay with their current employer. 

“For me, one of the biggest benefits is that Erickson paid for part of my tuition,” says Karabetis, a US Air Force reservist and Penn State alumnae. 

“I also like the fact that there is opportunity for growth. I love what I do now, but I always leave the door open for new opportunities within the company. They are always willing to have a conversation to see what direction you might want to go and how they can help you get there,” says Karabetis. 

Opportunities abound

Oak Crest’s grow-from-within culture is reflected in its focus on career pathing and upskilling through tuition assistance and support for training and education. A culture of employee recognition and the community’s supportive and collaborative environment empowers staff, makes them feel valued, fosters innovation, and opens doors to career development and expanded job opportunities.

“There is a sincere commitment for our employees to do well in their roles and occupations,” says Executive Director Mark Roussey. “We want to make sure our staff have every opportunity to grow and succeed. That is one of the things that I love about Erickson. Everyone has an opportunity to meet their dreams.” 

To that end, Oak Crest employees can access a comprehensive benefits package beyond the typical employee healthcare plan, including a company matching 401K, generous paid time off, and online training classes. 

Unique perks like Annual Well-Being Visits, complimentary check-ups at on-site Employee Health and Well-Being Centers, free access to wellness workshops, fitness challenges, and health trackers help employees bring their best selves to work each day. 

The Wellness Fund for employees enrolled in an Erickson Senior Living medical plan offers up to $260 in reimbursement for personal wellness expenses like home exercise equipment, fitness classes, running shoes, and weight loss programs. 

“I go to the fitness center on campus three times a week. It’s free and it’s convenient,” says Karabetis. “I also run 5Ks and use the Wellness Fund to cover all of my registration fees.”

Strong growth in the senior living industry continues to drive the need to hire and retain qualified, talented employees to support Erickson Senior Living residents at the highest service levels.

“Our team members embrace the culture and utilize their talents to help residents and each other live better lives,” stated Nicole Walker, chief human resources officer. “In turn, Erickson Senior Living recognizes the invaluable contributions that employees make and provides a robust package of benefits that reflect our commitment to financial stability, health and well-being, and work-life balance.”

Explore the many exciting career opportunities at Oak Crest. Visit EricksonSeniorLivingCareers.com to browse the company’s careers website.