About the Role
At L’Arche, we seek to create an intentional community of genuine belonging, one that welcomes difference and celebrates the unique gifts of all people. We are committed to building inclusive communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live and thrive. As a live-out caregiving assistant, you would foster relationships with core members (individuals with IDD) and other assistants that honor the dignity and gifts of every person through sharing in daily life — eating dinner together, watching television, going to the gym, or heading up the street for a cup of coffee. Together with the core members, you would help care for the home, shop for groceries, and cook meals. You would also be trained to support core members at doctors’ appointments, with personal care, with medication administration, with transportation, and with banking and shopping.
Whether you work full-time or part-time, as a live-out assistant, your role will involve a combination of direct care, community engagement, and household management. You will help create an environment of mutual respect and collaboration, building meaningful relationships with the individuals you support and your fellow team members.
Assistants often point to their time with L’Arche as a time of personal transformation, where they experience real relationships of mutual support with core members and assistants. By answering the call to share life in our community, assistants are an integral part of bringing that vision to life.
Come be a part of creating a community and a world where people with disabilities are at the center!
Benefits of Working with L'Arche
What We Offer
- A Purpose-Driven Career: You will make a meaningful impact in the lives of others by providing compassionate, person-centered care in a community-based setting.
- Comprehensive Training: Receive training to become a Direct Support Professional and gain valuable experience working in a specialized care environment.
- 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.
Full-time Employee Information
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Generous paid time off (20 days in your first year, 25 every year after)
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Time and half pay for holidays worked (non-exempt employees)
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Medical/Dental/Vision benefits; L’Arche pays 90% of premiums: life/AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, and employee assistance program; Voluntary: life/AD&D insurance and critical illness insurance.
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401(k) (retirement savings plan) with 5% match from L’Arche
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Access to the West Cook YMCA for $5 per paycheck
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Ongoing training and development
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Eligible for loan forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Part-time Employee Information
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Generous paid time off (20 days in your first year, 25 every year after FTE for those working 20 hours per week)
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Time and a half for holidays worked (non-exempt employees)
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401(k) (retirement savings plan) with 5% match from L’Arche
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Access to the West Cook YMCA for $5 per paycheck
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Ongoing training and development
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Eligible for loan forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum Qualifications
- 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).
What does a day in the life of an assistant look like?
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!
What is the training process like?
Every assistant undergoes an initial training period of about 2 months. During this training period, new assistants will complete Direct Support Professional (DSP) 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 medication administration training, 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.
What is the difference between a live-in and live-out assistant?
Both live-in and live-out assistants share the same responsibilities in the home and support the home during their scheduled hours, with the difference being that live-in assistants choose to live in a L’Arche home alongside other assistants and core members, while live-out assistants live elsewhere. Both are paid positions, with a room and board deduction for live-in assistants.
Why L'Arche?
At L’Arche, we create more than just jobs—we create a place where individuals are seen, heard, and valued. Working here means being part of a global movement that is changing lives by embracing the uniqueness of each person and fostering communities of belonging.
If you are ready to dare to care and join an organization where your work will make a lasting impact, apply today.
What to expect after submitting your application
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation of your application within 48 hours. We will then reach out to you asking to set up a time for a brief phone screening. We look forward to talking with you!
Other Opportunities Available
Summer Assistant Internship
L’Arche Chicago invites you to apply for our Summer Assistant Internship, where you would share life with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and other assistants while living in one of our four community homes.
Read moreLive-Out Caregiving Assistant (DSP)
Apply to be a Live-Out Assistant (DSP), a caregiving position where you would support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in one of our four community homes.
Read moreLive-In International Volunteer Assistant
Apply to be a live-in international volunteer with L'Arche Chicago, a volunteer position where people from around the world dedicate a year to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while living with them in one of our four community homes.
Read moreLive-In Caregiving Assistant
Apply to be a Live-In Assistant, a caregiving position where you would support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) while living with them in one of our four community homes.
Read more