Community Engagement

Surbhi Vachani | Head Resident Engagement Manager | Antara Senior Living

What is Community Engagement?

A Career in Community Engagement is very interesting. Understanding Why one wants to choose a Career in Community Engagement is phenomenally more important than figuring out How to get into Community Engagement. While anyone can have an opinion on what Community Engagement entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

Head Resident Engagement Manager Surbhi Vachani invested 3 years & 6 months in Community Engagement. Head Resident Engagement Manager Surbhi Vachani outlines Community Engagement as:

Community Engagement Management entails ensuring that all the promised services are rightly delivered to the residents of a community. Senior living is a concept that is more popular in the west however, the same has recently been tapped by the Max India Group who has started Antara Senior Living in Dehradun, India.

How Head Resident Engagement Manager Surbhi Vachani got into Community Engagement?

I did my schooling from Wynberg Allen, Mussourie. I thereafter, attained a Bachelors degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from Amity University, Greater Noida. I then worked for a leading events designing company called Q Events. I am presently the Head Resident Engagement at Antara Senior Living, Dehradun.

Head Resident Engagement Manager Surbhi Vachani's Talk on Community Engagement

Exploring the Dynamic Career of Community Engagement Management Community engagement management is an emerging career path that blends human interaction and creative problem-solving to foster vibrant and supportive environments. This field, while gaining traction, especially in senior living, requires professionals who not only understand community dynamics but are also able to engage with residents meaningfully. With insights from professionals like Surabhi, who currently heads resident engagement at Antara Senior Living, we gain a clearer picture of what this career entails. --- What Is Community Engagement? Community engagement management focuses on creating and maintaining active, inclusive, and supportive environments where individuals come together to share experiences and services. Within senior living communities, such as Antara Senior Living in Dehradun, this role is vital, as it directly impacts the residents' quality of life. The core objective is to organize activities and establish an ecosystem that facilitates social interaction, engagement in fun and productive activities, and promotes overall well-being among residents. For instance, Surabhi emphasizes that community living creates a space where seniors can form friendships and lead active lifestyles without the need to venture outside, thus enhancing their day-to-day experiences. --- Education Mass Communication An educational background in mass communication is pivotal in community engagement management. This field teaches essential skills in public relations, advertising, and event management that are directly applicable to engaging residents effectively. For Surabhi, her Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication served as a launching pad, providing her with the communication skills that are crucial for interacting with a diverse group of residents and their families. Understanding effective communication strategies can help in building relationships and facilitating better engagement in community activities. Hotel Management Knowledge of hotel management is also beneficial in community engagement due to its emphasis on service excellence. Since senior living communities operate on hospitality principles, understanding how to deliver quality service ensures that residents enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Surabhi notes the importance of creating a "home-like" atmosphere, where residents feel cared for and valued. This directly correlates to her efforts in training staff to deliver exceptional services that meet and exceed resident expectations. Wellness Courses in wellness equip community engagement managers with insights into promoting healthy lifestyles among residents. This encompasses not just physical health, but also mental and emotional well-being. Surabhi highlights the importance of curating activities that foster spiritual, occupational, and social wellness—ensuring that residents live a balanced life. By integrating wellness principles into daily activities, community engagement managers can create fulfilling experiences that enhance the overall quality of life for seniors. Management A foundation in management is critical, as community engagement operates within a business model. Understanding finance, operations, and resource management is essential to ensure that community services are sustainable. Surabhi emphasizes that community engagement managers are not only caretakers but also business managers. Their ability to navigate financial aspects while delivering high-quality care enhances organizational efficiency, making it vital to understand these principles. Quality Control Quality control is another fundamental area of study for community engagement managers. The commitment to maintaining high service standards ensures that residents are provided with the best possible experience. Surabhi shares her experience of developing standard operating procedures during the pre-opening phase of Antara, which set a benchmark for the quality of services residents could expect. Consistent quality control fosters trust and satisfaction among the senior community. --- Skills Peoples Person Skills Being a strong "people's person" is an indispensable skill in community engagement management. This ability enables professionals to connect with residents, understand their needs, and respond effectively to their concerns. Surabhi emphasizes that empathetic listening and understanding are key, especially since many residents have transitioned from familiar home environments. Building rapport and trust is crucial for ensuring that residents feel valued and engaged. Training Skills Effective training skills are fundamental to the success of community engagement management. According to Surabhi, a significant part of her role involves training staff to deliver compassionate and personalized services to residents. Training not only encompasses technical skills but also interpersonal ones, ensuring that staff interact respectfully and knowledgeably with residents, contributing to a positive living atmosphere. The nurturing of these skills among team members enhances the overall quality of engagement within the community. Creative Skills Creativity is perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of community engagement management. Surabhi notes that curating daily activities that are vibrant and varied requires imaginative thinking. From organizing yoga sessions to themed events, creative skills play a significant role in designing experiences that are engaging and fulfilling for residents. This creativity keeps community life lively, mitigating the monotony some residents might face and ensuring that every day offers something new. --- Positives Human Interactions One of the most rewarding aspects of a career in community engagement management is the rich tapestry of human interactions. Surabhi shares her love for connecting with seniors, stating that these individuals bring a wealth of life experiences that enrich her own perspective. Engaging with residents allows for mutual learning, fostering friendships and a sense of community that enhances the workplace atmosphere. Endless Learning This career is characterized by a continuous learning environment. Every interaction presents an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s about individual residents' histories, preferences, or innovative ways to enhance their living experience. Surabhi highlights that adapting to the ever-changing dynamics of a lively community provides her with ongoing personal and professional growth, making her job both fulfilling and impactful. Well Paid The potential for competitive salaries is another advantage of pursuing a career in community engagement management. Surabhi points out that her position at Antara, a Max India enterprise, affords her financial stability commensurate with her diverse skill set and responsibilities. This financial aspect reflects the increasing value placed on community engagement in senior living spaces. Great Environment Working in the vibrant atmosphere of a senior community can be profoundly rewarding. Surabhi describes her workplace as not just a job, but a lively community setting where staff and residents share experiences, laughter, and mutual support. The institutional culture encourages personal well-being, with wellness programs available to employees, enhancing engagement and job satisfaction. --- Challenges Client Expectations One notable challenge in community engagement management is managing resident expectations. Seniors may have preconceived notions about community life that differ from the realities of service delivery. Surabhi explains that as managers, it's essential to facilitate clear communications and manage expectations while delivering high-quality experiences. This often requires patience and strategic thinking to ensure alignment between what is promised and what can realistically be delivered. On Job Attachments Developing emotional connections with residents can be both a strength and a challenge. For Surabhi, the joy of forming attachments is bittersweet, as she is aware of the inevitability of loss. Navigating this reality is a delicate balance of providing compassionate care while preparing for the emotional impact of loss as residents age. This aspect reinforces the necessity of building resilience and emotional fortitude in professionals within this field. --- A Day Of Community Engagement Management Each day in community engagement management is dynamic and varied. Surabhi's routine begins with overseeing communal spaces and planning activities that could range from yoga sessions to cultural events. Managing and creating a schedule that caters to the interests of residents ensures they remain engaged and satisfied. Additionally, she collaborates with her team to maintain high service standards and train staff to meet the diverse needs of their community. The day usually concludes with reflection on resident feedback and adjustments for future activities, affirming the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in this role. --- In conclusion, community engagement management is a fulfilling career that combines strategic planning, creativity, and empathetic leadership. As more individuals seek supportive living environments, roles in this field will undoubtedly evolve, emphasizing the critical balance between care, community, and management. For anyone who values human connection and wishes to make a profound impact on people's lives, a career in community engagement management may be just the right fit.

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How to get into

Community Engagement?

If you are want to get into Community Engagement, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Community Engagement is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Community Engagement, what education and skills you need to succeed in Community Engagement, and what positives and challenges you will face in Community Engagement.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Community Engagement.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

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LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Head Resident Engagement Manager Surbhi Vachani's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/surbhivachani

LifePage Career Talk on Community Engagement

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/community-engagement

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171012-0002

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7iCWy_wuwA

(Community Engagement, Surbhi Vachani, Antara Senior Living, Interaction, Client Engagement, Marketing, Communication)

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