Live-In Assistant (Personal Care Worker) - Immediate Start

Role Description/Overview:

The role of Live-In Assistant (Personal Care Worker) is a live-in, paid, position in one of L’Arche Kapiti’s homes, involving a minimum commitment of 30 hours/week. Each Assistant in L’Arche Kapiti is responsible to help create and foster a safe and home-like atmosphere for those with intellectual disabilities (known as “Core Members”) and other Assistants to live in. 

The Live-In Assistant works with a team of 2 or 3 other Assistants and a Leadership team (based out of the office). In addition to direct support to Core Members, the Live-In Assistant offers support in the areas of administration and household management, thus helping to carry some responsibility in the home and being an additional support to the House Leader. The focus for these two teams is the well-being of Core Members and Assistants in the home, to ensure that the home is living out the L’Arche International Identity and Mission statements to the best of its ability. 

L’Arche Identity: 

• We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an International Federation.
• Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together.
• We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.

L’Arche Mission: 

• To make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, revealed through mutually transforming relationships.
• To foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members, whilst being faithful to the core values of our founding story.
• To engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

The Live-In Assistant lives in the L'Arche home where they also support Core Members. Primary duties include: 

• Fostering an environment where the value and unique contribution of each member in the house is respected and appreciated. 
• Supporting growth, autonomy, confidence, and a full life for each Core Member. 
• Assisting Core Members with their personal care routines as needed (dressing, showering, etc.)
• Supporting Core Members in following the direction of medical professionals, including administering medication. 
• Supporting Core Members to be as independent as possible (i.e., cooking, cleaning, making life choices, attaining personal goals).
• Communicating effectively (in oral, written, and electronic forms). Listening actively. 
• Collaborating well with others in the house and community, building trust and encouraging each other’s growth. 
• Taking part in household tasks, including grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
• Participating in house traditions, celebrations, prayer and personal reflection. Supporting and encouraging Core Members on their chosen spiritual journey.

Minimum qualifications, experience, and skills of Successful Applicants: 

• An appreciation for the gifts and contributions that adults with an intellectual disability bring to society, and a desire and openness to learn from one another 
• A desire to share daily life as a flatmate together with other members of the L’Arche home
• A commitment to the Identity and Mission of L’Arche communities 
• Experience in the disability and/or aged care sectors 
• Experience living in a L’Arche community (if possible) 
• Level 3 Careerforce (or equivalent) 
• Ability to work in a team and share responsibility effectively
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills 
• Personal traits of creativity, flexibility, patience and attention to detail
• A Full Driver’s License (if possible)

Location: Paraparaumu (Kapiti Coast), Wellington

Minimum guaranteed hours: 30 hours/week

Minimum and maximum rate of pay: Rate of pay will range from $26.00 (Living Wage rate) to $28.25/hour (Level 4), depending on one’s Pay Equity qualification or equivalent.

How to Apply: 

For those interested, please respond with your CV and a cover letter to Jocelyn Worster, the Assistants Coordinator of L’Arche Kapiti, 

Note: Full role description available on request.