Severe problems in turnover and absenteeism among workers in geriatric and long-term care organizations have sparked great interest in the impact of job satisfaction on the quality of care provided to the elderly. The Job Description Index (JDI) is a job satisfaction index which measures satisfaction with several dimensions of the job: co-workers, pay, supervisors, promotions, and the work itself. Employees (N=423) of metropolitan area nursing homes and community services for the elderly completed the JDI. Results indicated that staff members were least satisfied with co-workers and pay, and most satisfied with supervisors, promotion opportunities, and the work itself. The dimension, greater satisfaction with work itself, was rated higher than the other four dimensions. Age was directly related to satisfaction with work, supervisors, and pay; marital status also significantly predicted these three areas. Gerontological training was related to increased satisfaction with both work and pay. The HDI appears to be a useful tool for all occupational and educational levels in long-term care and community organizations. (NRB)