Location:  Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Somerset, and Kennebec Counties, Maine

Opportunity Type: Independent Contractor with daily provider stipend

Compensation: Daily reimbursement based on the individualized support arrangement

Make a Difference. Share Your Home. Enrich a Life.

At LEAP (Life Enrichment Advancing People), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling life in a home where they feel valued, respected, and supported.

 We're looking for compassionate individuals and families interested in becoming Shared Living Providers for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism throughout Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Somerset, and Kennebec Counties.

As a Shared Living Provider, you'll welcome an individual into your home and provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive living environment. You'll help someone build independence, develop meaningful relationships, participate in their community, and enjoy the everyday experiences that make life fulfilling.

This is more than providing support. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference in someone's life while welcoming them into your own.

• All members of the household must successfully complete the required background screening. 
• Have a suitable home environment with a private bedroom that meets applicable Shared Living, safety, and program requirements. 
• Valid Maine driver's license or access to reliable transportation

What Does a Shared Living Provider Do?

Shared Living Providers offer individualized support within their own homes, helping the people they support live as independently and meaningfully as possible. Responsibilities may include:

• Providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive home environment.
• Assisting with daily living activities, personal care, and other individualized support needs.
• Encouraging independence, personal choice, and self-determination.
• Supporting community involvement, friendships, recreational activities, and meaningful relationships.
• Assisting with appointments, transportation, and access to community resources as appropriate.
• Following individualized support plans and maintaining required documentation.
• Communicating and collaborating with LEAP's Shared Living team, case managers, and other members of the individual's support network.
• Maintaining compliance with applicable MaineCare requirements, training standards, and the Shared Living Provider agreement. LEAP will provide all training needed at no cost to the provider. 

What Makes a Great Shared Living Provider?

We're looking for individuals and families who are patient, compassionate, dependable, and genuinely interested in helping others thrive. Ideal candidates will:

• Have a genuine commitment to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.
• Respect individual rights, personal choices, privacy, and independence.
• Be flexible, creative, and willing to adapt to an individual's unique needs and preferences.
• Possess strong communication and organizational skills.
• Be willing to complete required training and maintain appropriate documentation.
• Have a suitable home environment with a private bedroom available for the person supported.
• Meet applicable home safety, background screening, and program requirements.
• Be willing to work collaboratively with LEAP's Shared Living team.

Previous experience supporting individuals with disabilities is helpful, but we also welcome individuals and families who are new to Shared Living and interested in learning more.

What Can You Expect from LEAP?

Although Shared Living Providers operate as independent contractors, they aren't expected to navigate the experience alone.

LEAP provides ongoing guidance and resources to help providers succeed, including:

• Assistance understanding required training and certification requirements.
• Guidance with MaineCare documentation and compliance expectations.
• Regular communication and support from LEAP's Shared Living team.
• Assistance navigating individualized support needs and available community resources.
• Collaboration with case managers and other professionals involved in the person's support.
• Support during the matching and placement process to help establish an arrangement that works for both the individual and the provider.

Compensation and Contractual Arrangement

Shared Living Providers currently receive $130 per day, subject to the terms of their individual provider agreement and applicable program requirements.

Shared Living Providers enter into an independent contractor agreement with LEAP rather than becoming employees of the organization.

Shared Living is a home-based support arrangement, not a traditional hourly or salaried employment position. In Maine, Shared Living providers can receive a tax-free stipend plus room and board reimbursement, if they meet DHHS eligibility and program rules. Providers are responsible for understanding their independent contractor obligations, and should consult with a tax consultant for questions about taxes. 

Providers are responsible for understanding their independent contractor obligations, including applicable tax responsibilities.

LEAP is committed to providing services that respect the dignity, individuality, and rights of the people we support. Shared Living Provider opportunities are subject to applicable screening, home approval, training, and contractual requirements.