Applewood in Freehold Promotes Employees

When you join CentraState Healthcare System and affiliated service lines, including Applewood, you have access to a wide range of career opportunities, from clinical roles, such as nurses and CNAs to a plethora of administrative and support roles.

Tina Valente, a CentraState employee relations business partner who works on-site at Applewood, can attest to this--

After joining CentraState seven years ago as a patient access and OR scheduler, Tina transitioned to The Manor as a Patient Representative and was promoted to a key role in Human Resources.

“Human Resources at CentraState is committed to supporting every employee’s aspiration to grow within our organization to maximize their potential,” she says.

"From on-site training to professional development programs and tuition reimbursement, we strive to give our staff the professional tools they need to achieve success and strengthen the quality of our healthcare system."

Career Ladder: On-Site Training for the CNA, RSA and CMA

Tina recently helped to spearhead three new CentraState Career Ladders for the certified nurse assistant (CNA), resident service associate (RSA), and certified medication aide (CMA) positions through an in-house education program and on-the-job training.

After completing the Career Ladder program requirements, CNAs, RSAs, and CMAs are eligible for a promotion to a Level II position, confirming their higher skill set level. Once confirmed, they will earn a differential in pay.

Robert Transitions from Volunteer to Employee

In 2016, Robert Repsha joined the CentraState organization as a volunteer working at the outpatient desk at the hospital.

He eventually moved over to Applewood volunteering in the Dining Room and assisting with social activities in the Assisted Living area.

“I enjoy working with older people and was excited to be offered a paid part-time position as the evening and weekend concierge in the independent living and Assisted Living areas,” Robert explains.

And his paid position has come in handy—Robert and his wife just purchased their first home.

Going forward, Robert hopes his role at Applewood will expand to a full-time opportunity. “I’ve seen the potential for me to make a career here and I look forward to moving up the ladder.”

From Dishwasher to Dining Room Supervisor

Gabe Young started at Applewood in the Dish Room in 2013 and was consistently promoted to dining room wait staff and then closing supervisor, ensuring the kitchen and dining room was properly shut-down and fully prepared for the next meal service.

At the beginning of this year, Gabe, who earned a Business Degree from Rutgers University, was promoted to Dining Room supervisor by his manager, Norma Dorer, Dining Services manager.

Applewood is Currently Hiring Waitstaff

“Gabe is efficient, attentive, reliable and expresses genuine concern for our residents’ dining experience, “Norma explains.

“Without question, his consistent dedication to his job inspires and motivates our team every single day.”

Gabe says after six years working at Applewood, he has no plans to leave.

“It means a lot to me that my work is recognized here and I look forward to learning more, doing great work and climbing the ladder.”

Applewood Employee Tenure Surpasses the Average

In today’s healthy job market, the challenge in retaining and recruiting qualified senior living professionals to fill key positions, from dining services to clinical staff, can be especially time and resource-draining.

But here at Applewood, the retention rate of our employees far exceeds the industry standard.
While the majority of retirement communities see a yearly staff turnover as high as 40 percent, Applewood maintains an average employee tenure of nearly 10 years (9.62 years, to be exact).

“Our high rate of resident satisfaction is largely built upon the level of service provided by our managers and staff,” explains Keith Grady, executive director.

“Part of that success is attributed to positive relationship-building between both parties.”

Ready to Step Up to a New Career?

Applewood and CentraState offer a wealth of healthcare, senior services, administrative and support team career opportunities that come with employee benefits for full-time and some part-time positions. Visit Applewood Careers and check back regularly for new job openings.