Position: Independent Living Support (ILS) Assistant
Location: Wolfville to New Minas
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Duration: Permanent, FTE 100%
Contracted Hours: 40 awake hours, set schedule.
Responsible to: ILS Leaders
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. Assistants gain valuable life skills and opportunities for personal growth and leadership. 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. L’Arche Homefires will provide the required training. Previously completed and certified core competencies may be recognized as transferable to this position.
Location & Schedule:
This position supports six (6) Core Members in their homes and throughout the community, primarily within the Wolfville to New Minas area, with flexibility as the service area may expand. The ILS Assistant must have a valid driver’s licence, access to a reliable vehicle, and be able to provide a clear driving abstract. The successful candidate must also be willing to obtain $2 million liability insurance (details provided). Mileage reimbursement is available for work related travel.
Sunday: 12:00 pm -8:00 pm Wednesday: 09:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday: 09:00 am - 5:00 pm Thursday: 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday: 09:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday & Saturday: OFF
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.
- Collaborate with team members, reporting to the ILS leader to ensure that the physical, emotional, spiritual, vocational, recreational, health, and safety needs are met while maximizing their choices and participation in the decisions affecting their lives.
- Create opportunities with the ILS core members for meaningful daily excursion, and engagement, following the choices, desires and goals of the core member’s annual My Plan goals.
- Assist ILS Core Member to maximize independence in activities of daily living such as:
o Maintaining a household.
o Shopping, budgeting, and banking.
o Menu planning and meal preparation.
o Transportation for community access.
o Participation in leisure, volunteer, or work activities.
- Support the ILS Core Member to build and maintain connections and relationships with family, friends, and other community members and resources.
- Assist ILS Core Members with the promotion and maintenance of their health and wellness, sometimes supporting the ILS member at medical appointments.
- Recognize the potential of the core member(s) and seek meaningful opportunities to foster continued growth and personal development.
- Ensure completion and maintenance of all eight (8) core competencies as required by Department of Opportunities and Social Development (DSOD) and any assigned OH&S requirements.
- Maintain digital record keeping via Therap and utilize L’Arche Homefires Microsoft email, as required for communication purposes.
- Ability to drive the core member using their own vehicles or at times the L'Arche Homefires fleet with eligibility requirements to be discussed upon hire.
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 a bona fide requirement
- 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
