At L’Arche, persons with a developmental disability are known as “core members,” and “assistants” are those who come to share life with them. Assistants accompany core members in their activities of daily life: creating home and supporting core members in sharing their gifts within the house and the larger community. Assistants work to build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons with disabilities; foster a home life of unity, mutual respect and participation by all members; provide direct care supports and skill building for core members: personal care needs, money management, medical care, appointments, family and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications, meal preparation, and transportation.
The prime task for the assistant is to create 'home' in the household. The specific responsibilities may include helping someone with their personal hygiene, teaching new skills like cooking, using public transit, shopping, etc., helping to animate prayer times together, accompanying people to medical appointments, going swimming, bowling or to church with a group, sharing in the house-cleaning and maintenance. In addition, an assistant is expected to attend and contribute to various community meetings and events. Much of the community's well-being depends on gratuity, of freely giving of oneself, one's talents and energies.
- 18 –20 year old minimum, depending on locale of L’Arche community
- must be proficient to fluent in English
- High School diploma or equivalent GED
- Interest in living in a faith community founded on the Beatitudes
- Desire to work with individuals with disabilities
- Creativity, flexibility, attention to detail and ability to organize time
- Verbal and written communication skill
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Valid driver’s license
- Able to lift/transfer individuals (varied lbs) and move wheelchairs (approx. 40 lbs)
- must complete and pass medical administration test (government) and then be willing to administer medication as instructed
- must be able to pass CPR & First Aid certifications
- subject to employer references, criminal record review
- Able to work 40 - 55 hours a week
- Welcome is subject to employer references, criminal record review
Remuneration and benefits varies between communities, but full-time, live-in assistants joining for a year or more generally receive room and board and hourly or stipended compensation and health insurance coverage.
Please visit L'Arche USA's website at: https://www.larcheusa.org/participate/become-an-assistant/, where you will find more information about the role, a link to our application, and assistant stories and videos. The application can be emailed to [email protected].