Despite Economy, Cedar Crest is Hiring at a Rapid Pace -- Positions are available for entry level and seasoned employees as well as for high school students

Erickson's campuses for people aged 62 or better are growing at a rapid rate. Currently, there are 225 employes and the number is expected to grow to 1000 by 2004. There are many positions in dining services for high school students and there will be many medical-related positions available soon.

We all know someone struggling to find a job in todays difficult economy. While unemployment continues to hit an all time high, there may be relief for some people at a retirement community -- of all places.

"Currently, we have 225 employees and plan to grow to more than 1000 employees, over the next few years, with the openings of our new buildings," says Lori Pratko, Director of Human Resources.

This is a wonderful place to work," says Lori. While we offer competitive salaries, and great benefits -- working at Cedar Crest is the best benefit of all."

I cant tell you how many times a day people marvel at how nice the environment is from the people to the residents to the actual facility," says Ian Brown, Associate Executive Director.

Most people who walk through our doors either say that they want to live here or work here," adds Lori. Having been in the Human Resources field for 20 years, I can honestly say that you dont hear that too often."

Cedar Crest, which provides middle-income people aged 62 or better, with a first-class lifestyle, is currently on a hiring spree. The campus is growing at warp speed," says Gary Hibbs, the Executive Director. Already, the community --often referred to as a stationary cruise ship -- is housing its 507th resident, which is quite a feat for a community that is only two years old.

With the imminent opening of Madison Green, Cedar Crests first residential building in its second neighborhood, at the end of 2003, and the second community building -- to boast a state-of-the-art television station, auditorium, third restaurant and second convenience store -- that is scheduled to open in early 2004, there are many jobs to fill. In addition, in a little more than a year, Renaissance Gardens at Cedar Crest, an extended care neighborhood featuring assisted living and skilled nursing care services, will open on the campus, offering even more career opportunities.

Positions currently available at Cedar Crest include: porters, CHHA, maintenance, security and restaurant/hospitality. In addition, many medical positions will be opening up in 2004 and the resumes are already starting to arrive.

One area that is really having a hiring boon is dining services. We are currently looking to hire 30 high school students to staff our third restaurant, which is on target to open in February, 2004," says Tori Heimall, Student Staff Development Manager.

There are many benefits to working in this department," says Christian Mendez, 17, a senior at Butler High School, from Bloomingdale, New Jersey, who has been working at Cedar Crest since he was 15. For instance, theres the Scholarship program, dining dollars and training, to name a few," he says.

There arent many great jobs out there for kids, especially not ones that offer four year scholarships," adds Kevin VanSchepen, 17, an Eastern Christian High School student from Butler, who has been working at Cedar Crest for 14 months. As someone who has been working since the ripe old age of 13, where he began as a janitor for a church, he ought to know.

Employees who meet the scholarship requirements are eligible for the monies. Some requirements include working at least three nights per week, four hours a night; working a total of 1000 hours throughout the Junior and Senior years of high school; and having good performance reviews.

Student servers are recognized for their work in many ways including 'Dining Dollars," says Tori. Dining Dollars allow managers to reward students who complete designated tasks, exemplify outstanding team effort, and provide exemplary service, with coupons that can be redeemed for money or gift certificates, which, when saved, can add up to $15 - $150 dollars.

In addition, transportation from school to work is available for students from Butler, Kinnelon, Pompton Lakes and Pequannock. Students also receive free meals, competitive wages, and double time for holidays, as well as training, development, growth opportunities and job recognition. They also participate in employee activities such as: theme events, picnics and bowling trips. Students have the added benefit of working in a safe, caring and fun environment where they have the opportunity to make friends, young and old. There is nothing like spending the day at school with your friends and then coming to work to meet up with more of your friends," says Kevin.

You can also really connect with people here, which is very rewarding," says Sabrina Bradbury, 17, a senior at Pequannock Township High School. I call some of the residents 'Grandma and some have even asked me to be their unofficial 'Granddaughter. ' "

I have received a lot of great advice from the residents," says Christian. When I started working here, I was planning to join the air force right after high school. After talking to a resident, I have now decided to go to college first, so I will be able to attain an education and obtain a higher rank and salary quicker when I join the air force later on," he says.

Many students who have worked at Cedar Crest have said that the food service training they received truly helped them find good jobs at college. Some saved their salaries for use at college, while others used the money and dining dollars for dating and gas money, during high school.

With so many positions available, now is a ripe time to apply at Cedar Crest for employment. For more information on student server positions, please call 973-831-3582. To apply for other positions, please see the company website at http://www.ericksonretirement.com and follow application instructions or call Cedar Crest's Job Line at:973-831-3665.