At L’Arche, we seek to bring the power of community to life, fostering a world where people with intellectual disabilities can thrive. As a care assistant, you will build community with core people (individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities) and other staff through shared life and work as a trained Direct Support Professional. L’Arche care assistants should have the desire and capacity to learn from and relate to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while working well on a team to provide high quality, specialized care that ensures everyone’s success and safety within the context of an intentional community.
Qualifications:
- Desire to work with, to learn from, and to relate to people with intellectual disabilities
- Desire to work in an inclusive and diverse community
- Independence, initiative and maturity as demonstrated by:
- Ability to share responsibility for managing a home
- Ability to work cooperatively and constructively as part of a team
- Ability to take responsibility for health and safety of others
- Ability to work with individuals of different religious affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, etc.
- Trustworthy and responsible
- Sturdy emotional disposition
- Creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to organize time
- Ability to learn about intellectual disabilities, mental health, health disorders, and related physical conditions and treatment approaches
- Ability to learn and implement simple nursing care, first aid skills, behavior management strategies, personal and environmental hygiene, etc.
- Ability to learn and complete online and paper documentation
- Physically able to fulfill direct care responsibilities; including ability to transfer adults from wheelchairs to vehicles, beds, etc. and to lift wheelchairs into and out of vehicles
- Strong verbal and written English communication skills
- Satisfactory criminal background check
- Non-usage of illegal drugs on or off the job
- 18 years of age or older
- High School diploma or equivalent; college education preferred
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or visa status permitting employment in the U.S.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to drive comfortably in the city preferred
- Ability to commit for minimum of one year
Duties and Responsibilities (Training provided)
Community Building and Personal Care
- Build relationships of mutual care and support with persons with disabilities.
- Respect and uphold each individual’s rights and personal dignity.
- Foster a home environment of unity, mutual respect, and participation by all members.
- Assist core members with daily living needs, such as:
- Personal care (e.g., clothing, hygiene, eating).
- Medical care, appointments, medications, and family connections.
- Money management, household chores, and meal preparation.
- Transportation, as needed.
- Support core members in achieving personal goals and participating in programmatic activities, as outlined in individualized support plans.
Teamwork and Home Management
- Participate actively as a team member to manage shared responsibilities, including:
- Household and yard maintenance, cleaning, and property upkeep.
- Shopping, meal planning, and household financial management.
- Adhering to scheduled routines and overnight awake support, as needed.
- Attend and contribute to regularly scheduled team meetings.
Documentation and Compliance
- Learn and implement L’Arche policies and procedures.
- Ensure the implementation of Individualized Support Plans and adhere to state regulations.
- Complete all required paperwork, online and paper documentation, and records in a timely manner.
- Document all necessary information accurately to ensure state compliance and support core members’ personal goals.
Advocacy and External Communication
- Advocate and communicate effectively with doctors and other professionals on behalf of core members.
- Accompany core members on vacations and community outings as needed.
Training and Development
- Complete all required training promptly to maintain skills and compliance with regulations.