Live-In International Volunteer Assistant

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. We are committed to building inclusive communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live and thrive. Living and working alongside our core members and assistants, live-in volunteers are a key part of our community, bringing vitality, joy, and new life to the homes.

Live-in volunteers are fully integrated into the life of our homes, helping provide essential services, forming lasting relationships with core members, and building the life of our community.

This volunteer position is suitable for those who are not from the United States, but are seeking to live in community with L'Arche Chicago for up to one year. This position is not compensated, outside of room, board, and a small monthly stipend for living expenses. While each applicant is independently responsible for seeking a B-1 volunteer visa to the United States, L'Arche Chicago will provide resources and support for your application.

International Volunteers often point to their time with L'Arche as a time of personal transformation, where they experience real relationships of mutual support with core members and assistants. By answering the call to share life in our community, international volunteers are an integral part of bringing that vision to life.

Come be a part of creating a community and a world where people with disabilities are at the center!

• A Purpose-Driven
  
  Experience:
  
  You will make a meaningful impact in the lives of others by providing compassionate, person-centered care in a community-based setting.
• A Supportive Community:
  Join a team of individuals who are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful community where everyone is valued for who they are.
• Personal and Professional Growth: L'Arche offers opportunities for growth and development through regular training, mentorship, and community-building activities. You will develop highly transferrable skills for any career path.
• International Network:
  Become part of the global movement of members, friends, and alumni living L'Arche's mission in locations across the world for over 50 years.

• Desire to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities and contribute to an inclusive, supportive community.
• Ability to physically perform direct care duties, including lifting and assisting individuals as needed.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and a drug-free policy.
• High school diploma or equivalent (college education preferred).
• 18 years or older.
• Driver's license strongly preferred.

This volunteer position is best suited for students taking a gap year or individuals with previous L'Arche experience from outside the United States. It is not well-suited for individuals seeking employment or immigration to the United States. Each applicant is independently responsible for seeking a B-1 volunteer visa to the United States.

While every day at L'Arche Chicago looks a little different, most days follow some familiar routines. Most assistants share life either in the morning (7am-3pm) or evening (3pm-10pm), and some assistants provide overnight support. In general, each home has a few familiar routines. For example, a morning routine might consist of making sure core members wake up on time, preparing a healthy breakfast together, administering morning medications, washing up and getting dressed, and driving together to a day program, work, or volunteer site.

An evening routine might consist of welcoming core…