Description The Director of Resident Care is responsible for the overall development, management, and operation of the Resident Care department. Performs resident health assessments; provides training/oversight to staff for all areas of resident care, monitors the status of residents’ general conditions, as allowed by regulation; coordinates resident care with third-party providers such as physicians and home health agencies and companion services in conjunction with residents and their families/involved parties. Primary Duties & Responsibilities : Adheres to and conveys a philosophy that supports the dignity, privacy, independence, choice, and individuality of residents Oversees the management and daily operations of the department Monitors resident care for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company care performance standards Monitors staff in supervision and administration of medication, to include frequent audits of medication sheets Ensures that medications are properly stored, medication carts/cupboards are cleaned and medication room is organized according to standards Ensures that all required documentation, including service plans and assessments are completed in a timely manner, and that assessments/service plans are reviewed with appropriate parties Schedules or oversees scheduling of monthly staffing calendars to meet the needs of the residents while striving to maintain budgetary compliance for the department Ensures that required documentation is complete and in compliance with regulations and standards Observes residents, records significant reactions, and informs physician and pharmacist of resident’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments and significant incidents Oversight of Care Department’s prompt response to all emergency calls from residents Participates in the maintenance of resident records appropriately Ensures appropriate handling of on-the-job inquiries per the policy Attends required community meetings and completes required reports in a neat and timely manner Attends all staff meeting, training, and educational classes as required Performs other duties as required Qualifications & Physical Requirements : Adheres to and conveys a philosophy that supports the dignity, privacy, independence, choice, and individuality of residents Oversees the management and daily operations of the department Monitors resident care for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and company care performance standards Monitors staff in supervision and administration of medication, to include frequent audits of medication sheets Ensures that medications are properly stored, medication carts/cupboards are cleaned and medication room is organized according to standards Ensures that all required documentation, including service plans and assessments are completed in a timely manner, and that assessments/service plans are reviewed with appropriate parties Schedules or oversees scheduling of monthly staffing calendars to meet the needs of the residents while striving to maintain budgetary compliance for the department Ensures that required documentation is complete and in compliance with regulations and standards Observes residents, records significant reactions, and informs physician and pharmacist of resident’s condition and reaction to drugs, treatments and significant incidents Oversight of Care Department’s prompt response to all emergency calls from residents Participates in the maintenance of resident records appropriately Ensures appropriate handling of on-the-job inquiries per the policy Attends required community meetings and completes required reports in a neat and timely manner Attends all staff meeting, training, and educational classes as required Performs other duties as required Education & Experience: Diploma in Nursing at a minimum; Bachelor’s degree preferred Current nursing (RN/LPN/LVN) licensure issued by appropriate state licensing agency Three years of nursing experience Experience in an assisted living community or long-term care setting highly preferred One year of supervisory or management experience This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, skill, or working conditions required of a person in this position. I have read the above job description, understand the conditions set forth therein, and will perform these duties to the best of my ability.
This is a preview of the job listing. The full posting includes complete compensation details, benefits package, qualification requirements, and application instructions.
General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.
Management roles in senior living carry a unique blend of healthcare oversight and business operations that most job listings barely touch on. Executive Directors and Administrators are typically responsible for state regulatory compliance, staff retention, census management, and family satisfaction — all at the same time. In Texas, Assisted Living Facility administrators must meet HHSC licensing requirements, which often include specific training hours and ongoing continuing education.
What surprises many new administrators is the direct involvement with families during crises — end-of-life transitions, care disputes, and emergency situations all land on your desk. Staff turnover in senior living runs high nationally, so a significant part of the role is recruiting, training, and retaining quality caregivers. Facilities in the Houston market compete heavily for qualified staff, making retention strategy a critical skill for anyone in these positions.
What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day
Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.
A typical day starts with a census and staffing review — confirming occupancy, checking for any overnight incidents, and ensuring the day's shifts are fully covered. Morning stand-ups with department heads (nursing, dietary, activities, maintenance) set priorities for the day. You will spend time on the floor interacting with residents and families, which doubles as quality checks and relationship building.
Afternoons often shift to administrative work — reviewing financial reports, handling vendor relationships, preparing for state surveys, and managing marketing efforts to maintain occupancy. Community outreach, hospital discharge planner relationships, and local referral networks are ongoing responsibilities. Most directors describe the role as never having two identical days — the blend of clinical, operational, and interpersonal challenges keeps the work unpredictable but engaging.
Houston Area Salary Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical/Health Services Manager positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of
$59.81/hr ($124,405/yr).
The typical range is $45.69 – $78.44/hr
(25th–75th percentile).
Entry Level (10th)$73,403/yr
Houston Median$124,405/yr
Experienced (90th)$206,565/yr
vs. National Median+0.4%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area).
Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.