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. As a Day Support Assistant, you will provide opportunities for enrichment, community engagement, and independent exploration for core members (adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities), particularly those who do not have access to day programs or employment opportunities. You would also be responsible for planning, implementing, and reviewing engaging daytime activities and outings for core members that contribute meaningfully to their own goals and support plans. This position requires a certain amount of flexibility and creative thinking in order to center the needs and desires of individual core members, while keeping the health of the whole community and sustainability of built routines in balance.
Responsibilities
- Providing one-on-one daytime support to a caseload of 2-3 core members
- Developing strong rapport with each core member
- Working on core member community goals for which more support is required (e.g. crossing the street, engaging well with strangers, traveling independently)
- Implementing behavior plans consistently in novel environments
- Planning outings and activities weekly with core members
Qualifications
- Preference given to applicants with a background in:
- Health, Wellness, and Recreation
- Community Engagement
- Vocation and Career Planning
- Arts and Culture
- Social and Emotional Health
- No previous experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities required
- Consistent schedule with some weekend availability (e.g. Sunday-Thursday / Tuesday-Saturday)
- High school diploma and valid driver’s license required
- Employment contingent on passing State DSP training and CPR/AED/First Aid training within first 3 months of hire
- Starting at $18/hr, based on experience
Benefits
- Pay starting at $18/hr, based on experience
- Generous paid time off (20 days in your first year, 25 every year after)
- Time and half pay for holidays worked (non-exempt employees)
- 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.
- 401(k) (retirement savings plan) with 5% match from L’Arche
- Access to the West Cook YMCA for $5 per paycheck
- Ongoing training and development
- Eligible for loan forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
