Become an Assistant

Work and learn together

At L’Arche, people with and without intellectual disabilities live, work, and learn together, creating communities of friendship and belonging. We foster mutual relationships, celebrate the unique value of every person, and strive for a world where everyone can belong and contribute.

L’Arche Winnipeg community comprises six homes, where Core Members (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and Assistants share life together in a family environment. Each house has four to five Core Members and three to five Assistants.

The entire community often gets together to:

Pray
Celebrate special events
Discuss important topics
Share information
Hold training and formations
Share music
Play games
And have fun

The daily life in the homes is filled with various activities and presents much joy, as well as challenges. In our individual journey, we look to support one another in our own growth. Through mutual support, communication, and a humble heart, you will discover L’Arche.

How to Apply

Please note that the application process is done at our national website, L’Arche Canada.
If you wish to join us L’Arche Winnipeg community, please indicate that in your application form.

The Application Process

If you are considering becoming an Assistant, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply. It will help you understand how the process works and what to expect.

Beginning the application process can seem overwhelming, so:

Begin the application process by applying through the L’Arche Canadaportal
A L’Arche Canada Recruitment Coordinator will contact you.
You will receive an email from our Assistants Coordinator to schedule an online interview. You will receive a role guide explaining the responsibilities of the role.
Following the interview, you will be asked to provide our Assistants Coordinator with three references (name and contact information). After receiving the three references, our Assistants Coordinator will determine if the applicant is a good fit. If so, they will offer you a role as a house Assistant.
If you choose to accept the offer, our Assistants Coordinator will begin the work permit application process. That includes an Offer of Employment Number and an Application Guide.
If international, you will apply for a work permit through Canadian Immigration Portal. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need to apply for a Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization.
All potential applicants must apply for a Vulnerable Sector Check (Police Check) and send it to the Assistants Coordinator.
If you have a driver’s license, it’s helpful to work on getting it translated into English.
Wait to receive your work permit! It usually takes between 3 to 6 months to obtain a work permit.
When you receive news that your work permit has been accepted, go ahead and contact the Assistants Coordinator and discuss travel plans.
And you’re off! Time to finalize travel plans. When you arrive at Winnipeg airport, we will arrange to pick you up.
Welcome to your new home!

What should you bring?

There are a few documents and items you should remember to bring with you before you travel! They are as follows:

Passport
Driver’s license if you have one (should be translated into English before arrival)
Work permit documents
A hard copy of the Police Check
Credit or Debit Card, or Canadian Funds in case of emergency or for food and supplies during travel
Clothing and Personal Care items (warm clothing is recommended as Canadian winters can be chilly!)
Any other personal items you would like to bring with you

What to Expect When You Arrive?

On the date and time of your arrival at the Winnipeg airport, the Assistants Coordinator will organize travel to our community and take you to your house, where the Core Members and other Assistants will welcome you.

Orientation

You will participate in the ongoing Orientation program during your first year as an Assistant along with other Assistants under one year. Orientation sessions are led by the Assistants Coordinator, and the program usually involves a two-hour meeting once a month.

This time is dedicated to helping Assistants develop and strengthen relationships within the community. It also focuses on understanding L’Arche Winnipeg’s Mission and Identity and how these are lived. Orientation also helps improve the understanding of our community’s history, present-day life, and how we can apply our individual gifts.

The Assistants Coordinator oversees the program. Sometimes other community members are invited to lead various sessions.

Orientation meetings include a time of prayer and sharing. They can consist of some or all of the following subjects, depending on the needs of the group:

Community living
Servant Leadership Model
L’Arche Mission and Identity
Spirituality
Driving Safety
Team building and other L’Arche-related topics.

Training

These topics are built from the seven components of the Department of Community Services’ minimum training standards. The topics are:

Standard First Aid and CPR
Basic Principles and Practices of Personal Care
Fire Safety
Medication Awareness
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
Positive Principles and Practices of Non-Aversive Behaviour Change
Growth and Goals