Position: Live-Out Assistant (Direct Support Worker)
Location: Arnprior, Ontario
Start date: July/August 2026
Compensation: $22–25/hr
Vacation: 2 weeks per annum
Benefits
RRSP matching after 2 years
Duration: Permanent Full-time
Responsible To: House Leader (Team Lead)
Position Summary
L'Arche Arnprior 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 (Direct Support Workers) 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 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.
Working Conditions and Physical Environment:
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We currently have three L’Arche homes in Arnprior where people with and without disabilities live together.
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Live-Out House Assistants are scheduled in the home for 40 hours per week including day, evening, and weekend times, and have two days away each week.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Help plan and participate in inclusive celebrations and traditions in the home that are representative of house members.
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Support, respect and participate in house traditions and the spiritual life of the house and community.
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Keep up-to-date and accurate records in all areas as directed: financial, medical, daily journals, medication, etc.
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Assist House Leader in ensuring maintenance and upkeep of physical home, garden, vehicle(s), and all house equipment and supplies.
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Actively participate in regular and consistent schedule of individual supervisory meetings, team meetings, house meetings and circles of learning.
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Participate in reviews and goal setting according to set processes
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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.
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Adhere to all policies, guidelines, regulations, and safety and emergency procedures
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Be attentive and responsible for own health and well-being
Qualifications:
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DSW or equivalent schooling or work experience in a related field.
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Fluent in spoken and written English and able to effectively articulate thoughts and ideas in a team
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Clear police check including vulnerable sector screening
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Ability to be flexible and manage the stress of multi-faceted responsibilities and management
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Ability to remain calm, focused, and clear in times of crisis
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Ability to take direction and follow-through on commitments in timely fashion
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Flexible work schedule and availability including evenings, and weekends.
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Open to learn and grow; able to give and receive feedback
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Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) or willingness to obtain
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Ability to directly address tensions in relationships
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Strong team spirit, ability to work cooperatively
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Stamina and energy to meet the physical demands of the role
Assets:
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Valid CPR & First Aid certification
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A valid "G" driver’s license
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Knowledgeable about L’Arche mission and values
How to Apply
Apply with your resume and cover letter (including three professional references)
Even if you don't feel that you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We're eager to meet people that believe in the L'Arche mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways.
Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.
