Live-In International Volunteer Assistant

• A Purpose-Driven Experience: You will make a meaningful impact in the lives of others by providing compassionate, person-centered care in a community-based setting.

• A Supportive Community: Join a team of individuals who are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful community where everyone is valued for who they are.
• Personal and Professional Growth: L’Arche offers opportunities for growth and development through regular training, mentorship, and community-building activities. You will develop highly transferrable skills for any career path.
• International Network: Become part of the global movement of members, friends, and alumni living L’Arche’s mission in locations across the world for over 50 years.

• Desire to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities and contribute to an inclusive, supportive community.
• Ability to physically perform direct care duties, including lifting and assisting individuals as needed.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and a drug-free policy.
• High school diploma or equivalent (college education preferred).
• 18 years or older.
• Driver’s license strongly preferred.

This volunteer position is best suited for students taking a gap year or individuals with previous L’Arche experience from outside the United States. It is not well-suited for individuals seeking employment or immigration to the United States. Each applicant is independently responsible for seeking a B-1 volunteer visa to the United States.

While every day at L’Arche Chicago looks a little different, most days follow some familiar routines. Most assistants share life either in the morning (7am-3pm) or evening (3pm-10pm), and some assistants provide overnight support. In general, each home has a few familiar routines. For example, a morning routine might consist of making sure core members wake up on time, preparing a healthy breakfast together, administering morning medications, washing up and getting dressed, and driving together to a day program, work, or volunteer site. An evening routine might consist of welcoming core members home, throwing in a load of laundry, helping someone take a shower, preparing dinner alongside a core member, passing evening medications, packing lunches for the next day, and cleaning up after the day’s activities. Assistants wear a lot of hats, and no two days are quite the same!

Every volunteer assistant undergoes a similar 2 month training to that of our caregiving assistants. During this training period, new volunteer assistants will complete direct support training with the Director of Residential Services, which consists of about 40 hours of classroom training and at least 80 hours of supervised shadowing in the homes. In addition, you will receive first aid and CPR/AED training, as well as a variety of other trainings on topics such as positive behavioral interventions, L’Arche culture and values, and core member health and well being. Additionally, all assistants participate in on-going in-services and formations, as well as receiving monthly one-on-one support meetings with their house coordinator.

No, because of the limitations to the B-1 volunteer visa, this is a strictly volunteer position. In exchange, L’Arche will cover your room, board, and a small monthly stipend for living expenses.

Although every case is unique, we do not recommend using a B1-B2 tourist visa to volunteer with L’Arche. B1-B2 visas are limited to a maximum stay of 6 months, which is less than our preferred commitment of 12 months. However, exceptions may be made in certain circumstances. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Each volunteer is independently responsible for seeking a B-1 volunteer visa to the United States, including covering the cost of the application and travel to the consulate for any appointments. In addition, each volunteer is responsible for the cost of their travel to the United States.