House Leader

L’Arche is an organization in which people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together based on stated core values, as articulated in our Servant Leadership Model. We live, work, and learn together in our 30 communities across Canada. Founded in 1964, L'Arche strives to shape a more human and just society where each person’s gifts are known and celebrated.

L’Arche Homefires is seeking an energetic and compassionate individual who is willing to work alongside individuals with and without developmental disabilities. Successful applicants will belong to a community setting, learn new skills, and develop meaningful relationships. Community members gain valuable life skills and opportunities for personal growth and leadership. More than a job, the L’Arche Homefires offers an exceptional and life-changing adventure in friendship, mutual relationships, and self-discovery. Permanent roles offer a fair starting wage and are eligible for L’Arche Homefires’ extensive benefits package based on the L’Arche Canada National Compensation Policy. Community members are required to complete and become certified in eight (8) core training competencies and all mandated Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training. Where possible, prior to or upon commencing employment. L’Arche Homefires will provide the required training. Previously completed and certified core competencies may be recognized as transferable.

We currently have five L’Arche houses in and around Wolfville where people with and without disabilities live together.Our homes have four core members, who share life with a team of live-in and live-out assistants. This role will observe a set schedule with two consecutive days away, which will be determined by the Homes Coordinator.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn and understand the Identity and Mission of L’Arche, and adhere to the core documents of L’Arche Homefires, including our core values, key traditions, policies, procedures and confidentiality.
• Fosters a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere based on the characteristics of house members, facilitates inclusive celebrations and traditions in the home that are representative of everyone.
• Supports the life journey of each core member through individual plans, medical appointments, meaningful daily activities, and active participation in all aspects of daily life in the home and community.
• Oversees personal care and daily routines, ensuring assistants maintain high standards of care and best practices.
• Seek opportunities to participate in and contribute to community life, including membership on relevant committees, with Core Members while supporting community events and activities, modelling community building.
• Develops positive, supportive relationships with individuals with and without disabilities by sharing daily life together and collaborating with team members to provide person-centred support that respects each individual's history, choices, goals, and needs while promoting their health, well-being, safety, inclusion, and participation in decision-making.
• Ensures maintenance and upkeep and safety of the physical home, inside and out, including vehicle(s), and all other house equipment and supplies.
• Maintains regular and consistent roles and goals meetings, team meetings, house meetings, and annual reviews with assistants.

• Orientates new assistants and ensures team members have the skills, training and direction required to perform their duties.
• Foster positive team relationships and is comfortable in addressing tensions, providing feedback and performance management.
• Build meaningful relationships with family members or guardians of the Core Members.
• Scheduling support needs within the home as required, approving vacation and other PTO time for assistants.
• Ability to manage administrative and operational tasks efficiently, including email communication, payroll preparation, schedule management, digital record keeping, incident reporting, and maintaining team communication using software systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Therap, FMS and Microsoft 365.
• Ensure completion and maintenance of all eight (8) core competencies as required by the Department of Community Services and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), including ensuring the same of the assistants.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of L’Arche history, core values, and mission considered an asset or a willingness to engage.
• Post-secondary education or experience in human services, disability support, or similar considered an asset.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience leading diverse teams.
• Prioritizes relationships with Core Members, families or guardians as well as the team.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and can provide feedback to others as required.
• Already developed administrative skillset with the ability to apply basic HR concepts, scheduling, payroll and utilize Microsoft 365 and other software’s as it applies to the role.
• Shows initiative and pays attention to detail, time management, and deadlines.
• Is highly organized, able to set priorities, and follow through on commitments.
• Ability to admit mistakes and learn; asks for and accepts help when needed.
• Can remain calm and focused during times of uncertainty and crisis while providing clear directions.
• Ability to problem solve, assist in reaching solutions, and obtain necessary resources.

• Willingness to be community driver; with a valid NS Driver’s Abstract as a Bonafide requirement.
• Clear police checks, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, required.
• Valid CPR and Standard First Aid (2-Day) certification required.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and to safely push, pull, and lift up to 35 lbs.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, including a minimum of two professional references, along with a cover letter outlining your desire for and fit with this role.

L’Arche Homefires is committed to employment equity, inclusion, and accessibility. If you require an accommodation during your recruitment process, please indicate this in your email. Only candidates who meet the required qualifications will be invited to interview for the position.

Learn More About L’Arche: www.larchehomefires.org

View L’Arche Homefires Mission-in-Action plan here: Introducing our Mission-in-Action Plan — L'Arche Homefires