Become a L'Arche assistant
An assistant participates in the mission of L’Arche by helping to create a home for and with people who have learning disabilities. These homes reflect values of personal dignity, celebration and honest relationships.
An assistant is someone who supports people with learning disabilities to do things, and who is, above all, a friend.
Assistants generally stay from a year or more (though summer-only and University placements may be possible). Whatever your stage of life, whatever your background and experience, L'Arche has something to offer, and so do you. We believe that as we live our ordinary moments together we will experience something extraordinary and develop long lasting relationships.
How to become an assistant
Initial contact
If you are over 18 and interested in applying, click here to complete an online enquiry form or phone us on +44 1304 830 930. We will send you an application pack by email or post.
Application Process
We will read your completed application and if we decide to proceed we will contact your referees. On receipt of references we will arrange to do a telephone interview with you if you are outside the UK. If you are in the UK we will invite you to visit the Community
Invitation and Police Checks
If we decide to invite you to join the Community you will be asked to obtain Letter of Good Conduct (police check) from your National Police proving that you do not have any past criminal convictions. On arrival in the Community you will be asked to complete an enhanced CRB (criminal Record Bureau) check together with a POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) check which confirm that you have no convictions in the UK. When the POVA result is completed (usually taking between 5 - 10 days) you will move in to the House where you will become an assistant.
Induction
As a new assistant in the community, you will receive a comprehensive one-to-one induction from your House Leader where you will be individually trained in all aspects of your role. You will also undergo comprehensive training in aspects associated with your role in modules such as:
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History of L'Arche Kent First Aid Health and Safety Food Hygiene Manual Handling History of Care in the UK |
Sexuality and the Law Communication Makaton (sign language) Prayer and celebration Loss and Bereavement Personal/Professional Care
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Three-month review
At the end of 3 months in L'arche you will have an opportunity to reflect with your House Leader and the Assistants Co-ordinatoron your time with us and to set priorities for the rest of the year.
