Community Living Assistant

What is the Role of the Community Living Assistant?

Supported Living Services (SLS) provides support to people with developmental disabilities who wish to live in a home of their own but cannot do so without support. The service is designed to help people be as independent as they can be.

SLS services are available to people who typically need more than 40 hours per month of service, and up to 24 hours per day, to live safely on their own.

As a Community Living Assistant, your specific duties and tasks will vary, depending on the people you support and their individual preferences, needs and interests. The assistance that you provide can include helping people with personal care, shopping and cooking, managing their households, getting to medical appointments, and getting around in their communities.

You will spend all of your work hours in someone’s home or “out and about” in their community. People with disabilities have better lives when they are a part of their community and have valued roles. You could be involved in various types of activities and events such as:

Going to a movie or a sports event
Taking someone to visit with his or her friends or family
Participating in a club activity or class
Volunteering in the community
Going to a church or place of worship

Supported Living Services are about giving people with disabilities whatever support they need to live quality lives of their choosing. It may also be about working with families and other people who care about the person you support. The job may change over time, as the people you support and their situations change.

Job Requirements for Community Living Assistants