ClareOaks SENIOR LIVING Clare Oaks' director of Human Resources offers job hunters tips about how to interview for a new position during COVID-19 As the economy reels in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking for work. Clare Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in Bartlett, is one employer that has not furloughed any employees. Currently, it has opportunities for professionals interested in careers in senior living. Colleen McCarthy, director of Human Resources at Clare Oaks, has bucked the employment trend, earning a promotion this month during the pandemic. The South Elgin resident joined Clare Oaks in 2014 as the Health Care scheduler and was promoted twice before to positions as Human Resources coordinator and Human Resources generalist. Her advice? Those applying for jobs at this time should consider the organization's culture and values before they interview. Are they a good fit with the individual's priorities? To that end, she has three tips for applicants seeking work during the time of COVID-19. Understand and respect safety protocols Colleen McCarthy, director of Human Resources at Clare Oaks our employees and have paid leave for anyone who has been exposed to or becomes ill from COVID-19," explains McCarthy. "Still, we always ask questions to determine the comfort level regarding their specific concerns about COVID-19 exposure before we hire someone. Before an interview, consider what protections need to be in place to make you feel safe going to work," adds McCarthy. "Now more than ever, new employees must respect the protocols employers put in place to keep them and residents safe," McCarthy explains. "We take the health of everyone in our community very seriously, so each new employee quickly understands how the action of "During the COVID-19 crisis, our team has a single person can affect so many others." For instance, Clare Oaks employees must answer a series of screening questions and have their temperature checked before every shift and at the midpoint of each shift in accordance with state and federal guidelines. "Keeping our residents and employees healthy requires complete and enthusiastic compliance from everyone on our staff. We are looking for new employees who are not only trained and competent but also willing and able to meet this continuum of care for nearly 300 residents on requirement," McCarthy states. Ask the right questions Before accepting a job, particularly one that involves possible exposure to COVID-19, candidates should inquire about what the company does to protect employees. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided? Have there been COVID-19 cases reported on site? What sick leave policies are in high-performance ranking for short-term stay place? Conversely, applicants should be aware the employers may ask questions as well. "We provide all the protection that is available for Consider the work environment "Clare Oaks long-term staff members signify a positive work environment. We enjoy a warm and family-like environment." says McCarthy. come together to face the challenges in ways that make us closer than ever." A supportive and caring workplace is always important, but now more than ever. Consider speaking to others on staff about working conditions, communication and employee morale to make sure that a company is a good match for you. About Clare Oaks Since 2008, Clare Oaks provides independent living apartments and cottages as well as a its 41-acre campus. Lifestyle and healthcare programs include independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Clare Oaks boasts a five-star rating, the highest for skilled nursing and short-term rehab, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In both 2018/19 and 2019/20, U.S. News & World Report awarded Clare Oaks a rehab. For more information about Clare Oaks, 825 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, Ill., call 630- 372-1983 or visit ClareOaks.org. ClareOaks SENIOR LIVING Clare Oaks' director of Human Resources offers job hunters tips about how to interview for a new position during COVID-19 As the economy reels in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are looking for work. Clare Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in Bartlett, is one employer that has not furloughed any employees. Currently, it has opportunities for professionals interested in careers in senior living. Colleen McCarthy, director of Human Resources at Clare Oaks, has bucked the employment trend, earning a promotion this month during the pandemic. The South Elgin resident joined Clare Oaks in 2014 as the Health Care scheduler and was promoted twice before to positions as Human Resources coordinator and Human Resources generalist. Her advice? Those applying for jobs at this time should consider the organization's culture and values before they interview. Are they a good fit with the individual's priorities? To that end, she has three tips for applicants seeking work during the time of COVID-19. Understand and respect safety protocols Colleen McCarthy, director of Human Resources at Clare Oaks our employees and have paid leave for anyone who has been exposed to or becomes ill from COVID-19," explains McCarthy. "Still, we always ask questions to determine the comfort level regarding their specific concerns about COVID-19 exposure before we hire someone. Before an interview, consider what protections need to be in place to make you feel safe going to work," adds McCarthy. "Now more than ever, new employees must respect the protocols employers put in place to keep them and residents safe," McCarthy explains. "We take the health of everyone in our community very seriously, so each new employee quickly understands how the action of "During the COVID-19 crisis, our team has a single person can affect so many others." For instance, Clare Oaks employees must answer a series of screening questions and have their temperature checked before every shift and at the midpoint of each shift in accordance with state and federal guidelines. "Keeping our residents and employees healthy requires complete and enthusiastic compliance from everyone on our staff. We are looking for new employees who are not only trained and competent but also willing and able to meet this continuum of care for nearly 300 residents on requirement," McCarthy states. Ask the right questions Before accepting a job, particularly one that involves possible exposure to COVID-19, candidates should inquire about what the company does to protect employees. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided? Have there been COVID-19 cases reported on site? What sick leave policies are in high-performance ranking for short-term stay place? Conversely, applicants should be aware the employers may ask questions as well. "We provide all the protection that is available for Consider the work environment "Clare Oaks long-term staff members signify a positive work environment. We enjoy a warm and family-like environment." says McCarthy. come together to face the challenges in ways that make us closer than ever." A supportive and caring workplace is always important, but now more than ever. Consider speaking to others on staff about working conditions, communication and employee morale to make sure that a company is a good match for you. About Clare Oaks Since 2008, Clare Oaks provides independent living apartments and cottages as well as a its 41-acre campus. Lifestyle and healthcare programs include independent living, assisted living, memory support, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. Clare Oaks boasts a five-star rating, the highest for skilled nursing and short-term rehab, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In both 2018/19 and 2019/20, U.S. News & World Report awarded Clare Oaks a rehab. For more information about Clare Oaks, 825 Carillon Drive, Bartlett, Ill., call 630- 372-1983 or visit ClareOaks.org.