House Assistant (or DSW or PSW)- Live Out

L’Arche is an organization in which people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together based on core values, as articulated in our Servant Leadership Model. We live, work, and

learn together in our 30 communities across Canada. Founded in 1964, L'Arche strives to shape a more humane and just society where each person’s gifts are known and celebrated.

L’Arche Homefires is seeking an energetic and compassionate individual who is willing to work alongside individuals with and without developmental disabilities. Successful applicants will belong to a community setting, learn new skills, and develop meaningful relationships. More than a job, the L’Arche Homefires offers an exceptional and life-changing adventure in friendship, mutual relationships, and self-discovery.

Permanent roles offer a fair starting wage and are eligible for L’Arche Homefires’ extensive benefits package based on the L’Arche Canada National Compensation Policy. Assistants are required to complete and become certified in eight (8) core training competencies and all mandated Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training.

Location & Schedule

We currently have five L’Arche houses in and around Wolfville where people with and without disabilities live together.Our homes have four core members, who share life with a team of live-in and live-out assistants.

This role will observe a set schedule with two consecutive days away. The schedule will consist of a variety of mornings, evenings, split shifts and weekends. The schedule will be determined by the Homes Coordinator and designated leader of the assigned home. There will be times when the schedule will be adjusted to attend required training or to meet additional needs for the core member or community.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn and understand the Identity and Mission of L’Arche, and adhere to the core documents of L’Arche Homefires, including our core values, key traditions, policies, procedures and confidentiality.
• Actively participate in and contribute to team meetings, annual reviews, roles and goals, formations, community gatherings, and other meetings and committees as required to maintain being an active assistant in community.
• Seek opportunities to participate in and contribute to wider community life, including membership on relevant committees, with Core Members while supporting community events and activities.
• Develop a positive, supportive, and mutual relationship with all individuals with and without disabilities in community through sharing daily life together, which respects their history, choices, goals, and needs.
• Responding to the evolving needs of our core members and community as required, being flexible to the core members needs and choices each day.
• Responsive to the Core members goals, recreational outings and choices being mindful of the Core members annual My Plan and through building mutual relationships with the core members.
• Contribute to daily life in the home, including grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, cleaning, household chores, and seasonal yard maintenance as required. Support and encourage Core Members to participate in these activities according to their interests, choices, abilities, and level of comfort.

• Assist and support Core Members with individualized personal care, daily living activities, and home routines in a respectful and person-centered manner, while collaborating with your team members.
• Administrative tasks assigned by the House Leader, as they relate to the Core Members and their home.
• Ensuring all eight (8) core competencies as required by Department of Opportunities and Social Development (DSOD) and any assigned Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) are currently up to date.
• Maintain digital record keeping and utilize L’Arche Homefires Microsoft email, as required for communication purposes.
• Ability to drive the core member to necessary appointments and recreational outings using the L’Arche Homefires fleet wherever possible.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of L’Arche history, core values, and mission considered an asset.
• Post-secondary education or experience in human services, disability support, or similar is considered an asset, but not necessary.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a team environment.
• Ability to support daily living activities within a shared living environment, including the core members.
• Proficient in computer use, Microsoft 365, online learning platforms and digital documentation processes, with the ability to learn and effectively use additional platforms as required by L’Arche Homefires.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to remain calm and focused in emergent situations, demonstrating the ability to co-regulate and support others effectively.
• Reliable, able to take initiative, prioritize tasks and follow through on commitments.
• Open to learning and growth; able to give and receive feedback and address tensions respectfully.
• Experience or education supporting aging populations, including dementia care and person-centered approaches.
• Committed to lifelong learning, professional development, and contributing to community life and the shared mission of L’Arche.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to safely push, pull, and lift up to 35 lbs.
• Ability to be community driver; with a valid NS Driver’s Abstract is considered an asset.
• Clear police checks, including Vulnerable Sector Screening required as a condition of hire.
• Valid CPR and Standard First Aid (2-Day) certification required as a condition of hire.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, including a minimum of two professional references, along with a cover letter outlining your desire for and fit with this role

L’Arche Homefires is committed to employment equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you require an accommodation during your recruitment process, please indicate this in your email. Only candidates who meet the required qualifications will be invited to interview for the position.

Learn More About L’Arche: www.larchehomefires.org

View L’Arche Homefires Mission-in-Action plan here: Introducing our Mission-in-Action Plan — L'Arche Homefires