Shared Living Provider/Contractor (For Two Adult Family Setting for Developmental Disabilities Youth or Behavioral Need Foster Care Youth)

We are seeking a two-parent household to provide a supportive, nurturing environment for two youth—either with developmental disabilities (DD) or behavioral need foster care—within a shared living setting. This position is specifically for families who are committed to creating a stable, family-oriented home for youth under the age of 13 or in need of behavioral support. Both parents must be actively involved in supporting the youth’s development and care, ensuring that they receive the supervision, structure, and individualized attention they need.

As a Shared Living Provider/Contractor, you will work directly with youth in your home under the supervision of the Residential Service Coordinator. The role emphasizes fostering independence while providing ongoing care, guidance, and opportunities for growth. This setting requires the involvement of a dedicated family home to ensure both stability and quality of care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care and instruction to youth with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs, focusing on skill acquisition and fostering independence within the home and community.
• Implement and modify the individual programs for skill development as per the youth’s Individualized Plan (IPP), ensuring all goals are addressed and progress is reported.
• Monitor and support the youth’s personal needs, including daily living tasks (hygiene, meal preparation, shopping, laundry) and behavioral goals.
• Administer prescribed medications as directed by physicians, ensuring the youth attend medical and dental appointments.
• Assist with household management, including meal planning, grocery shopping, managing finances, and general upkeep of the home.
• Facilitate community engagement and social activities, including planning outings, recreational events, and providing transportation.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with parents, guardians, Residential Service Coordinators, and other team members, providing regular updates on the youth’s progress.
• Serve as an appropriate role model, promoting positive behaviors and interactions while maintaining a professional and supportive atmosphere.
• Attend required staff meetings, training sessions, and accompany the youth to medical appointments as requested.

Important Guidelines for Shared Living Providers:

Additional Adult Requirements for Youth Under 13:

• If providing care for a youth under the age of 13, an additional adult must be present in the home at all times. This ensures sufficient support and supervision for the youth, in accordance with Nebraska regulations for shared living arrangements. Both parents must be actively involved in caregiving and managing the needs of the youth.

State-Funded Individual Limitations:

• Shared Living Providers offering care to Advanced and Risk Level youth may only care for one state-funded individual at a time. This includes youth from the foster care system, youth with a Letter of Agreement (LOA), or those with developmental disabilities (DD).
• Risk Level youth may not live with another child under the age of 13. This is an important regulatory requirement to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the home, as Risk Level youth require more intensive supervision and care.

Nebraska Shared Living Provider Regulations (404 Regulations):

• The home must meet safety and cleanliness standards as regulated by the state, with sufficient space and privacy for each youth.
• Providers are responsible for ensuring that the youth’s rights and dignity are upheld, and that all activities and interactions within the home align with their IPP.
• Shared Living Providers must collaborate with Residential Service Coordinators to implement and update the IPP regularly.
• The home environment must be safe and free from hazards, with attention to health and safety standards.
• Accurate documentation of services provided is required, along with regular communication with team members regarding progress and challenges.

Funding Tiers:

• Shared Living Providers are compensated according to Nebraska’s funding tier system, based on the care needs of the youth:
  • Tier 1: Basic support, such as assistance with daily tasks and light supervision.
  • Tier 2: Moderate support, including medical management, behavior support, and more frequent interactions.
  • Tier 3: High support needs, requiring intensive supervision and specialized care.
• Compensation is determined based on the specific funding tier of the youth, which aligns with the level of care and services provided.

Educational and Experience Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Must pass a background investigation, including criminal history and APS/CPS checks.
• At least 1 year of experience in caregiving or a similar role with individuals with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow written instructions and perform basic math functions.
• Experience managing a household, including cooking, cleaning, and general maintenance.
• Knowledge of community resources and recreational opportunities.
• Basic understanding of health care procedures, including personal hygiene, first aid, and routine medical care.
• Ability to make sound, independent judgments in varying situations.

Job Type: Contract, Full-Time

Salary: $40,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year (depending on experience and funding tier)

Schedule Options:

• 24-hour care as the individual will become a part of your home. 
• Respite may be used by the contracted SLP however, they are responsible for payment to an approved and trained respite

Work Location: Remote (home-based with client support) This position offers a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of youth with developmental disabilities or behavioral needs. If you are part of a two-parent household that is passionate about family-based care and committed to supporting youth in their growth and development, we encourage you to apply for this role.