Live-Out House Assistant

L'Arche Stratford is seeking an energetic, compassionate, community-minded individual to work and share life alongside individuals with and without developmental disabilities in a L'Arche home. Successful applicants will create a sense of home together with Core Members (adults with intellectual disabilities), support them to live full and independent lives participating in their local communities, sharing their gifts and building relationships. Assistants gain valuable life skills and opportunities for personal growth and leadership. More than a job, the assistant role offers an exceptional and life changing adventure in friendship and self-discovery.

Assistant teams support core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) by sharing in their daily life. We cook and eat meals together, get together with friends, participate in activities in our neighbourhoods, go on vacation together, and celebrate often.

Through sharing life with Core Members, Assistants gain valuable life skills, opportunities for personal growth and self-direction, as well as enhanced leadership abilities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leader and Understand the Identity and Mission of L'Arche.
• Develop a positive, supportive, and mutual relationship with individuals with developmental disabilities through sharing daily life together, which respects their history, choices, goals and needs.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure that the physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, recreational, health and safety needs of individuals with developmental disabilities are met while maximizing their choices and participation in the decisions affecting their lives.
• Provide respectful and high-quality direct care supports and skill building for Core Members in areas including: personal care needs, life goals, money management, medical care and medication, appointments, family and work connections, household chores and meal preparation.
• Help plan and participate in inclusive celebrations and traditions in the home that are representative of house members.
• Support, respect and participate in house traditions and the spiritual life of the house and community.
• Keep up-to-date and accurate records in all areas as directed: financial, medical, daily journals, medication, etc.
• Assist House Leader in ensuring maintenance and upkeep of physical home, garden, vehicle(s), and all house equipment and supplies.
• Actively participate in regular and consistent schedule of individual supervisory meetings, team meetings, house meetings and circles of learning.
• Participate in reviews and goal setting according to set processes
• Collaborate with house leader as well as with other assistants in home to complete household duties including but not limited to: shopping, cleaning, cooking, laundry, transportation, yard work, etc.
• Adhere to all policies, guidelines, regulations, and safety and emergency procedures
• Be attentive and responsible for own health and well-being

Qualifications:

• DSW or equivalent schooling or work experience in a related field.
• Fluent in spoken and written English and able to effectively articulate thoughts and ideas in a team
• Clear police check including vulnerable sector screening
• Ability to be flexible and manage the stress of multi-faceted responsibilities and management
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and clear in times of crisis
• Ability to take direction and follow-through on commitments in timely fashion
• Flexible work schedule and availability including evenings, and weekends.
• Open to learn and grow; able to give and receive feedback
• Ability to directly address tensions in relationships
• Strong team spirit, ability to work cooperatively
• Stamina and energy to meet the physical demands of the role
• Ability to drive in all seasons (example winter driving)

Assets:

• Valid CPR & First Aid certification
• A valid G driver’s license with 3 or more years insured driving experience
• Knowledgeable about L’Arche history, values, and vision