L'Arche Canada is looking for energetic, compassionate people to join our vibrant communities as live-in Assistants. In this unique role, you’ll live and work alongside individuals with and without developmental disabilities, building authentic relationships and creating a home where everyone belongs.
As an Assistant, you’ll support core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) in living full, meaningful lives—helping them share their gifts, participate in their communities, and celebrate life’s moments. You’ll discover that this is more than a job—it’s an opportunity for friendship, growth, and purpose.
What makes this experience special?
-
You’ll share daily life: cooking and eating meals together, spending time with friends, exploring the neighborhood, going on vacations, and celebrating often.
-
You’ll gain valuable life skills, deepen your self-awareness, and develop leadership abilities that will serve you for a lifetime.
-
You’ll be part of a movement that strives to create a more positive and just society—where people of all abilities experience companionship, community, and belonging.
If you’re looking for meaningful work, personal growth, and an unforgettable experience, L’Arche is the place for you. Join us and discover the adventure of living and learning together.
Schedule and Responsibilities:
This is a live-in position, similar to being a counselor at an overnight summer camp, in that Assistants live with the individuals they support. Each Assistant has a private bedroom.
Assistants work 40-44 hours per week supporting the home. They receive an average of two days off per week, typically on weekdays. Days off are scheduled in advance in coordination with other team members. Flexibility in scheduling is essential to accommodate special needs within the home.
The daily rhythm and responsibilities are comparable to those in any household where members require personal care support:
-
Assisting Core Members with their morning and evening routines
-
Assisting with bathing and using the toilet as needed
-
Supporting Core Members in following the direction of medical professionals including administering medication
-
Accompanying Core Members to appointments, activities, and community events
-
Cooking & cleaning
-
Grocery shopping
-
Yard work as required
More importantly Assistants have the responsibility of building community by spending time getting to know people in the home, participating in the spiritual life of the home and community, sharing activities together, and learning about themselves and others. The key to life in L’Arche – for everyone – is being open to relationship. Assistants learn about themselves and others as they discover that they can just be themselves and be valued and appreciated for who they are.
Opportunities:
-
Each year L'Arche hires over 200 new Assistants to live and work in 29 communities across Canada
-
All new Assistants participate in the L'Arche Leadership Development Program
-
Many Assistants choose to stay at L'Arche for one or two years, or even longer. There are also opportunities for longer term roles in leadership across the country
-
There are opportunities to transfer to one of 154 L'Arche communities in 38 countries around the world
-
Compensation and Benefits are provided. Assistant Roles are Full-Time.
Compensation:
Assistants are scheduled to support the home 40 hours/week. The starting salary for Assistants is dependent upon the provincial location. Deductions would include Federal Tax, EI, CPP, and Room & Board which varies by location.
Requirements:
-
We hire people from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. Experience with caregiving or training as a Personal Support Worker, Direct Support Worker or in disability services is beneficial, but not mandatory for hiring.
-
We are looking for people who are interested in building intentional community, who have an open attitude, ability to work as part of team, a desire to grow, and who want to make a meaningful difference in the world.
-
Personal traits of creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to organize time and carry responsibility are important for the role of Assistant.
-
Opportunities available in either English or French
-
We will provide training for First Aid & CPR, Medication Administration, Crisis Prevention and Intervention, as well as orientation to specific personal care routines & disabilities. Formation in relationship building, vision and mission is provided through the L'Arche Leadership Development Program.
-
Pre-employment requirements: Criminal reference check (vulnerable sector)
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
L'Arche Canada has welcomed Assistants from around the world and we value the richness and diversity international Assistants bring to our communities. Please be aware that it has become more difficult over the years for our communities to welcome international Assistants due to restrictions in Canadian immigration regulations.
Please review the following before completing an application.
-
International Applicants are responsible for their own visa and travel costs.
-
Applicants must be proficient in English or French (written and spoken).
-
We often recommend that international applicants first gain an experience of serving in a L'Arche community in or near their home country or elsewhere within L'Arche international before their application would be considered in Canada.
-
We also recommend that if applicants do not have caregiving experience or education, they gain related volunteer experience before applying to increase the likelihood of receiving a work permit.
-
Applicants must have a valid passport from their country of origin when applying to L'Arche in Canada as a non-resident. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least one year before applying.
Equity and Inclusion Statement
L’Arche Canada welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and identities. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.
