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- Tasks: Welcome an adult with IDD into your home and support their daily living needs.
- Company: Join Penn-Mar Human Services, a nonprofit empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous stipend, room & board reimbursement, and 24/7 support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while fostering independence and inclusion in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 21+, pass background checks, and complete required training.
- Other info: No prior experience needed; just bring compassion and commitment to advocacy.
Penn-Mar Human Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live courageously and independently. Through our Life Sharing Program, we match individuals with caring families or individuals who open their homes and hearts to share their lives.
What is Life Sharing? Life Sharing is a person-centered living arrangement where an individual with IDD becomes part of a welcoming household. It’s more than caregiving—it’s about building a meaningful, long-term relationship and supporting someone in living a full, inclusive life.
The Life Sharing role is an Independent Contractor Provider
- Welcome an adult with IDD into your home as a family member
- Support their daily living needs, personal goals, and community involvement
- Foster independence, dignity, and inclusion
- Collaborate with Penn-Mar’s professional team for ongoing support and training
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, and respectful home environment
What We Offer
- Generous monthly stipend and room & board reimbursement
- 24/7 on-call support and respite care options
- Extensive training and onboarding
- Ongoing professional development
- A deeply rewarding experience that transforms lives, yours included
Who Can Apply for these independent contractor opportunities?
- Individuals or families with a stable home environment
- Must be 21+ and able to pass background checks
- Willing to complete required training and home inspections
- Compassionate, patient, and committed to inclusion and advocacy
Training & Household Requirements – To ensure the best care and compliance with state regulations, providers must:
- Complete 24 hours of training annually
- Complete a few easy online Life Sharing trainings each year
- Be CPR and First Aid certified (renewed every other year)
- Ensure everyone in the household has a physical and TB test before move-in (TB test repeated every other year)
- Submit background clearances for all household members over age 17 (processed through Focus)
- Maintain daily documentation (simple and supported by Penn-Mar)
- Assist with annual physicals and biannual dental visits for the individual
- Keep a medication log if the individual is not independent in medication management (support provided)
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now to become a Life Sharing independent contractor Provider and help someone live their best life—while enriching your own.
Prior experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or autism is preferred, but NOT required.
Interested? Contact Emily at ewingerter@penn-mar.org to learn more about life sharing support as an independent contractor.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Life Sharing Independent Contractor Provider employer: Penn Mar Human Services
Contact Detail:
Penn Mar Human Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Life Sharing Independent Contractor Provider
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Life Sharing and how it differs from traditional caregiving. Understanding the importance of building meaningful relationships will help you convey your passion for this role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former Life Sharing providers to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information on what to expect and how to best support individuals with IDD.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant personal experiences that demonstrate your compassion and commitment to inclusion. Whether it's volunteering, caring for a family member, or community involvement, these stories can resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your home environment and how it aligns with the requirements for Life Sharing. Think about how you can create a safe and nurturing space for someone with IDD, as this will be a key aspect of your role.
We think you need these skills to ace Life Sharing Independent Contractor Provider
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand what being a Life Sharing Independent Contractor Provider entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and the impact you can have on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. Even if you don't have direct experience with IDD, emphasise transferable skills such as compassion, patience, and commitment to inclusion.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for supporting individuals with IDD. Share personal anecdotes or motivations that demonstrate your commitment to fostering independence and inclusion.
Prepare for Background Checks: Since background checks are required, ensure you have all necessary documentation ready. This includes clearances for all household members over 17, which will streamline the application process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penn Mar Human Services
✨Understand the Life Sharing Concept
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of what Life Sharing entails. Familiarise yourself with the principles of person-centred living arrangements and how they empower individuals with IDD. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you articulate how you can contribute.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have direct experience with individuals with IDD, think about any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your compassion, patience, and commitment to inclusion. Be ready to share examples from your life that showcase these qualities.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewer
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the Life Sharing Program, the support provided by Penn-Mar, and the expectations for independent contractors. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you determine if this role is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Training
Since ongoing training is a key part of this role, express your willingness to engage in the required training and certifications. Discuss any previous training you've completed that relates to caregiving or community involvement, as this will highlight your readiness to learn and grow in the position.
