Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of positions do you have available?

Typically, we are looking for part-time and full-time staff to work shifts in our homes supporting adults with developmental disabilities in the Albuquerque area. We have a greater need for employees that are available to work evening, weekend and night awake shifts. Occasionally, we need staff in our independent living division, supported employment, day services, family based services (respite), Home Supervisors and our La Paloma greenhouse locations as well as professional positions such as Case Workers and Program Managers. The majority of our employees initially start as Substitutes. This allows new employees to complete their training program and work at a variety of locations to become familiar with the persons we serve and their various needs before settling into a job. Substitutes work on an on-call basis at any of ARCA's work locations and may apply for any posted positions for which they qualify. Some employees opt to remain a Substitute which allows a wide range of flexibility with their schedules. Some employees accept a regular part-time job and then choose to Substitute when available to supplement their income. There are many flexible options.

How do I apply?

In order to be considered for an interview, candidates are required to complete two steps: completion of the DSP survey and a completed application. Please go here to start the application process. The application can be accessed here and either printed at home or provided in our main office located at 11300 Lomas Blvd NE Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm. We are located at the corner of Lomas and Tomasita between Eubank and Juan Tabo (view map). Include all past employers and at least three professional references.  We select applicants to interview based on the DSP survey and application review, so please pay careful attention to completing the application thoroughly.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes, you must be 18 years old to apply at ARCA.

Do I have to have a driver's license?

For the majority of our positions, driving is an essential function. You must have had a permanent driver’s license (not provisional) for a minimum of three years.  Many of our work locations have vehicles that can be utilized by staff during their work shift; however some positions require the use of your own enclosed, insured vehicle. We reimburse mileage for the use of your own vehicle for work related activities while on shift.

Do I have to have a High School Diploma?

A High School Diploma or GED is preferred for our entry level positions, but is not required. You will need to supply proof of this minimal level of education or higher to be considered for all promotional opportunities. Some positions may require a college degree.

What is the pay?

Our entry level positions start at $8.90-$9.50/hour after all training is completed and you have been matched successfully to a regular position. Weekend positions pay an extra .50/hour differential.

How long will it take to get a response after submitting an application?

In general, you should be contacted by phone or mail within 7-10 business days. If for some reason you have not been contacted within that time frame, you are welcome to contact Natalie Kelley, Human Resources Recruitment/Staffing Manager, for an update on the status of your application.

How often do you hire?

Typically, we bring in new employees once a month depending on job availability. Our paid core training program takes approximately 3 weeks to complete. If you have experience in the field, you may qualify for an abbreviated training schedule.

Do I have to have experience to work at ARCA?

No!  We hire many people that have never worked in the field, but have a desire to help others. We have an intensive 3 week PAID training program that we require all employees to complete before working with people with developmental disabilities who receive services from ARCA. If you have paid experience in our field, you may qualify for upper level positions if available.

Is there room to grow at ARCA?

Yes! With over 650 employees, there are typically opportunities to apply for upper level jobs and promotions at ARCA.   If you decide you simply want a new challenge, there are many options for lateral transfers as well. Some promotional positions may only require six months of experience and a HS Diploma/GED.

How do I find out more about ARCA?

If selected for an interview, you will be invited to a one hour group presentation. This informational session will include a video called “Direct Support/ A Realistic Job Preview” which showcases honest feedback from direct support professionals about the rewards and challenges of this line of work. We will discuss the many service areas of ARCA, pay, benefits, training and the next steps in our hiring process.

What happens after an interview?

If, after an interview takes place, we mutually decide to move forward with the screening process, we would begin background checks. Our background checks include a criminal records check, review of driving record (most of our positions require the ability to drive and applicants must have a good driving record to be approved by our insurance carrier), abuse registry check, employment verification and reference checks. Only after completing all aspects of our background checks and a personal interview, we are able to make a hiring decision. If we are able to make you an offer of employment, we would then ask you to go for a pre-employment drug screen test immediately.

What is ARCA looking for in staff?

ARCA is looking for people that have a sincere desire to help others with developmental disabilities in our community and that can demonstrate our core values of:
S    Service Excellence
P    Personal Growth
I     Integrity
R    Respect
I     Inclusion
T    Teamwork

We need staff that can be approved as drivers for our agency since our mission strongly focuses on community involvement. Since we have very few positions with traditional daytime hours, we are looking for staff that are available for weekends, evenings and night awake shifts.

Do you offer benefits?

Yes! We are proud to offer health and dental coverage to all regular staff that are hired to work at least 30 hours per week. We also offer generous paid time off, group life insurance, long term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, health club discounts, employee wellness program and an EAP (Employee Assistance program). All staff are offered the opportunity to participate in ARCA’s 403b Retirement plan immediately! Staff that are hired in regular positions for at least 40 hours per week also enjoy paid holidays!