Care Assistant (Live-out)

Support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in our community home.

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.