Whether you're a recent graduate considering career options or an experienced worker seeking a career change, you're probably wondering what fields offer the best opportunities as well as the best chances of a stable future. Elder care is one of Canada's fastest growing fields. An aging population means booming job opportunities in a variety of fields related to geriatric care. A 13 percent increase in open positions is expected between now and 2020, with opportunities continuing to be abundant throughout the foreseeable future. Many of these jobs will be situated in community care facilities. If you're interested in pursuing a job working in an elder care facility but hands-on duties aren't for you, there are still plenty of opportunities for you. Following are five of them.

Housekeeping and Environmental Services

Housekeepers in community care facilities clean residents' rooms. This is an excellent job for those who love spending time with the elderly because the casual nature of the work allows them to be able to converse with residents while doing their job. Those employed in environmental services usually are responsible for the upkeep of common areas such as dining facilities and outdoor areas. These positions can be obtained with little to no experience.

Administrative Positions

Office positions in community care facilities range from front desk reception jobs all the way up to general manager positions. Entry level reception jobs might be attainable with little or no experience as long as you know your way around a computer and present a professional appearance. Office management positions, on the other hand, require significant skills and experience, although a college degree is not necessarily needed. Operations managers, who are responsible for the overall management of the site, are generally required to have at least a bachelor's degree in health care administration.

Meal Preparation

Head cooks in community care are responsible for creating menus, preparing meals, and supervising the kitchen staff. Demonstrated knowledge of preparing a variety of nutritious foods is required for these positions, as is the ability to plan and prepare meals based around specific dietary restrictions. For instance, many senior citizens must adhere to a strict diabetic diet in order to remain as healthy as possible, so cooks need to know how to prepare tasty food that nonetheless is low in sugar. Being able to cook in large quantities is also a needed skill. Entry level cook positions are available for graduates of culinary schools or for those with significant, provable experience. It is also possible to work your way up to a head cook's position via working as an assistant to the cook for a period of time.

Transportation

Community care facilities include transportation to medical appointments, social activities, community events, and shopping as a part of the package they offer to residents. Requirements include a good driving record and the physical ability to assist residents in boarding the vehicle. You might also need to act as a group organizer when the outing involves attending a community event such as a concert. For instance, it will be your responsibility to ensure that all residents are present and accounted for when the time comes to return to the facility, and you will have to remain at the event during its duration.

Activities Director 

Community care centers also employ activities directors to create and manage recreational opportunities for residents. These include community outings, crafts, games, movies, gardening, and book clubs. These positions generally don't require a college degree, although it's expected that applicants have several years of experience. Larger facilities also employ entry level  assistants to the director, and these jobs don't require experience.

For more information on jobs in elder care, check out an employment agency like Career Contacts employment agency.