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 [email protected] to learn more about life sharing support as an independent contractor.
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.
Similar Jobs
What We Do
Penn-Mar Human Services’ mission is to support people to live courageously in pursuit of their best life. Founded in 1981, Penn-Mar serves nearly 2,000 adults with IDD each year through community living, day learning, customized employment, family and peer supports, and respite programs in northern Maryland and in southern Pennsylvania. Penn-Mar’s approach is innovative, person-centered, and successful, and through meaningful employment, community inclusion, and residential choice, the people Penn-Mar supports are empowered to live their best lives.
