Silver Spring, MD - “Throughout my almost 20-year career at Riderwood, I’ve held every job in our security department,” says Amanda Hidalgo, the Erickson Senior Living community’s manager of security and emergency services. “During that time, I’ve enjoyed both support from my supervisors as well as competitive benefits, that allow me to grow in my field while providing financial security for myself and my family.”
This support is one of many reasons why Erickson Senior Living continues to attract and retain dedicated staff members. A recent study by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that “employers whose engagement levels are high offer attractive benefits including paid leave, health insurance, retirement, and health and well-being incentives.”
Riderwood’s comprehensive total rewards go beyond typical employee benefit plans. In addition to offering multiple health care plans and choices, employees receive a full range of support to help build their careers while enjoying an enviable work-life balance. Other competitive benefits include tuition reimbursement, 401K with company match, generous paid time off, online training classes, and a wide range of discount programs.
“Riderwood takes immense pride in both our numerous, competitive benefits as well as our supportive and collaborative work environment,” says executive director Dee Dee Gray-Weaver. “This environment empowers staff making them feel valued while fostering innovations and opening doors to career development and expanded job opportunities.”
Amanda began serving the Riderwood community as a security floor officer and EMT, responding to emergency calls. Over the course of several years, she was promoted to security dispatcher, before embarking on the leadership track.
“I received great support from my managers who really helped navigate my career and motivate me,” she says.
One of the benefits Amanda enjoyed the most was the scholarship she received from Riderwood to help fund her pursuit of a criminal justice associate degree at Prince Georges Community College.
“The scholarship was very helpful in achieving my goals,” she says. “I was a single mom for a long time, and had it not been for the scholarship, I would not have been able to earn my degree.”
Even as Amanda continued to receive promotions to various management positions, including supervisor, assistant manager, and now as manager, she finds the balance needed to care for her growing family.
“I met my husband Jose at Riderwood, and since that time, we’ve had two children together,” she says. “I find that I am able to balance the demands of my family and my career. Family is very important here and, as a result, I find that I have the support I need when unexpected things happen, as they do with families.”
In addition to enjoying healthcare benefits for herself and her family, Amanda also takes advantage of Erickson Senior Living’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering counseling and other health benefits. She also enjoys her daily interactions with Riderwood residents who, like her supervisors, support and encourage her personal advancement.
“It’s amazing how supportive everyone is and how much they want the staff to grow and succeed,” she says.
As she embarks on her 20th year as a Riderwood employee, Amanda is grateful for the continued support and numerous benefits she enjoys.
“When it comes to opportunities and support at Riderwood, the sky’s the limit,” she says.
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