Hiring Veterans, Military Spouses Becomes Priority for Emeritus Senior Living for Next Five Years

SEATTLE, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hiring veterans is an urgent focus for businesses wishing to support American heroes as they return to civil life. The unemployment rate for veterans is significantly higher than that for the overall population. That's why, last February, Emeritus Senior Living, the nation's largest assisted living and memory care provider, made hiring veterans a top priority. The senior care provider will hire at least 1,000 veterans and military spouses over the next five years.

As of today, Emeritus is well on its way to achieving its goal. In the last eight months, Emeritus has hired 182 veterans and 94 spouses.

This endeavor is the first such veteran recruiting program in America's senior living industry. It was launched to honor and assist veterans seeking employment as well as pay tribute to the many retired military residing at Emeritus. Emeritus Senior Living, which operates over 510 senior living communities in 45 states, has a workforce of more than 31,000.

Hiring veterans reflects the care provider's commitment to supporting those who serve. "We wish to show our support of the military by offering veterans and military spouses a career with our company," said Granger Cobb, president and CEO of Emeritus Senior Living.  "We hope this initiative will be of value to those who have served our country. We know that their talent and commitment will be tremendously beneficial to our residents and our entire organization."

Because the largest hurdle for veterans seeking civilian work is explaining the relevance of their military experience, Emeritus has identified company positions that correlate to a variety of those in the armed forces to optimize the process of hiring veterans. For example, the work of a military chef is similar to that of an Emeritus dining services director. In fact, most veterans hired have been in the Dining Services area. Other opportunities within Emeritus for veterans include positions as maintenance director, driver, resident care director, wellness nurse, medication technician, certified nursing assistant and a range of administrative positions.     

The size and scope of Emeritus offer advantages to military spouses as well as veterans, Cobb said. "Unless their careers are portable, many spouses must quit their jobs to move when their husband or wife is transferred and they have to start their employment search all over again in a new city where they don't have any contacts," he said. "With more than 510 communities nationwide, we can offer military spouses transfers within the United States. This way, they not only remain employed, they keep building their careers with Emeritus."

Emeritus has established www.emeritus.com/employment/military, a website dedicated to veterans and military spouses seeking employment with the company. It includes general information on why Emeritus is a good fit for transitioning military and spouses along with testimonials from current Emeritus employee veterans.

Emeritus has also started a LinkedIn group to assist newly hired veterans and military spouses within the organization.

"This helps new Emeritus employees with the transition from the military into their first civilian job and assists with building relationships with other Emeritus employees with similar backgrounds," Cobb said. 

The company hopes to evolve the initiative by establishing a program that connects employee veterans with resident veterans.

"We piloted this concept at one Emeritus Senior Living community and it was very well received," Cobb said.  "We're certain it will prove to be a wonderful endeavor throughout our organization." Hiring veterans will remain a priority for Emeritus, in the next five years and beyond. 

About Emeritus Senior Living
Emeritus Senior Living is the largest assisted living and memory care provider in the United States, with the ability to serve nearly 54,000 residents. More than 31,000 employees support approximately 510 communities throughout 45 states coast to coast. Emeritus offers the spectrum of senior residential choices, care options, and life enrichment programs that fulfill individual needs and promote purposeful living during the aging process. Senior living service offerings include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home health care, and rehabilitation services. Emeritus experts provide insights on senior living, care, wellness, brain health, and family topics at www.emeritus.com, which also offers details on the organization's family-focused philosophy and services. Emeritus' common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC.

Media Contact: MaryBeth Dagg
Emeritus Senior Living
206-204-6027
[email protected]

SOURCE Emeritus Senior Living