House Assistant Jobs in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
House Assistant (or DSW or PSW)
About the role
Role Summary
Together with other members of the house team, the Assistant is responsible for the support, care and well-being of the individuals with disabilities at the house and day-to-day life in the home. The House Assistant is an effective member of the house team, and active member of the local L’Arche community.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Build and foster a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere based on the individual characteristics and meaningful participation of all house members.
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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 and be involved with events, gatherings, and traditions of the community. - 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, 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 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 of the local L’Arche community and government bodies.
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Be attentive to and responsible for own health and well-being.
Skills Needed and Position Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Acceptable level of spoken and written English to be able to effectively articulate thoughts and ideas in a team setting
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Clear police check including vulnerable sector screening - Valid and up-to-date CPR & First Aid certification or training (provided by community if needed)
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At least 18 years of age
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Knowledgeable about L’Arche history, values and vision.
- Valid drivers license for Nova Scotia
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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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Open to learn and grow; able to give and receive feedback
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Ability to directly address tensions in relationships
- Ability to walk 5km and lift 25kg
Working Conditions and Physical environment
- From time-to time, the House Assistant may be required to be away to attend community, regional or national events and/or trainings.
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About L'Arche Canada Foundation
L’Arche began in France in 1964. It was a compassionate response to the plight of people with intellectual disabilities living in grim institutions, shut away from society. L’Arche was a radical and dynamic way for people of different intellectual capacity, social origin, and culture to live, work, and learn together. Young people from around the world heard about L’Arche, and came to help. Among those early L’Arche assistants was a young Canadian couple, Steve and Ann Newroth. They were so transformed by their experience that they began to dream of bringing L’Arche home to Canada. In 1969, Steve and Ann founded L’Arche Daybreak, the second L’Arche community in the world, in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Today, there are 30 L’Arche communities in nine provinces across Canada. Worldwide, there are over 150 L’Arche communities in 38 countries on six continents.
L’Arche has taken a leadership role in the community living movement for people with intellectual disabilities that ultimately led to the closure of institutions in Canada. Still, adults with intellectual disabilities and their families continue to face tremendous challenges—in finding work, housing, and meaningful everyday activities. Many adults with intellectual disabilities are isolated. Too often, they have no friends.
About 750,000 people with intellectual disabilities live in Canada. 50-60% of adults with intellectual disabilities live with their parents or other family members. Tens of thousands of elderly parents whose son or daughter still lives with them all have the same question, “What will happen to my child when I’m gone?” The waiting lists for supportive housing are years long. The options are few and far between.
L’Arche is at the forefront of developing new models of affordable, inclusive housing. L’Arche continues to grow and supports people with intellectual disabilities to live as valued citizens, neighbours, and leaders.