Direct Support Professional--L'Arche Assistant

L’Arche Greater Washington, D.C. provides homes, residential services, and places of belonging for adults who have intellectual disabilities, the ‘core people’, in the context of an intentional, inter-denominational Christian community. An assistant should have the desire and capacity to learn from and relate to core people, and will work on a team to provide direct care to core people. The goal of an assistant is to work toward the mission of L'Arche to "reveal the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities through mutually transformative relationships."

Reports to: Service Team Leader

Qualifications

 Trustworthy and Responsible, demonstrated creativity, flexibility, attention to detail, and ability to organize time

 Desire to work with, to learn from, and to relate to people with intellectual disabilities

 Desire to work in an interdenominational Christian community

 Strong verbal and written English communication skills, Ability to learn and complete online and paper documentation

 Independence and maturity to share responsibility for managing a home, work cooperatively and constructively and to take responsibility for health and safety of others 

 Ability to learn about intellectual disabilities, implement simple nursing care, first aid skills, behavior management strategies, personal and environmental hygiene, etc.

 Physically able to fulfill direct care responsibilities; including ability to transfer adults from wheelchairs to vehicles, beds, etc. and to lift wheelchairs into and out of vehicles

 Valid driver’s license, Proof of U.S. citizenship or visa status permitting employment in the U.S, Satisfactory criminal background check, non-usage of illegal drugs on or off the job, High school diploma or equivalent, Health certification permitting assumption of role, 18 years of age or older

Duties and Responsibilities

 To build a relationship of mutual care and support with persons with disabilities

 To observe the rights and personal dignity of others

 To foster a home life of unity, mutual respect, and participation by all members

 To learn and implement the policies and procedures of L’Arche

 To provide direct care supports, training, assistance and supervision for, and empower core people in: o Personal care needs (clothing, hygiene, eating, etc.), money management, medical care, appointments, family and work connections, household chores, laundry, medications, meal preparation, transportation o Achieving personal goals and performing programmatic activities as noted in core person plans and adequately documenting all necessary information, o Communicating and self-advocating effectively with doctors and other professionals

 To participate on a team, including sharing responsibility for: o Household and yard maintenance, cleaning, property upkeep, shopping, and household financial management o Scheduled routines o Regularly scheduled meetings o Overnight awake routines as needed

 To complete all required training, paperwork and records in a timely manner

 To communicate and advocate effectively with doctors and other professionals

L’Arche Greater Washington DC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.