It’s a tough, but rewarding job! Our host home providers are an exceptional team of caring, dedicated, and compassionate people that provide safe, inclusive, and fulfilling home-life opportunities for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
For Current Host Home Providers
If you are a current Host Home Provider for Community Living Alternatives, you can access our password protected page from the button below for forms, policies and procedures, training information and updates.
For Prospective Host Home Providers
At Community Living Alternatives, Inc. (CLA), we believe in creating stable, supportive home environments for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are always in need of experienced providers to fulfill respite care needs as well as prospective long-term placements. Therefore, we are always accepting applications to match the skills and resources available with the needs of the people who receive our residential services.
What is a Host Home?
A Host Home is a residential program model where a person with intellectual/developmental disabilities lives with a family or individual without disabilities. The goal is to provide a stable home environment and foster a sense of family, moving away from constantly changing staff situations.
Host Home Providers
As a Host Home Provider, you are an independent contractor with CLA, not an employee. Your responsibilities include supporting and teaching the person in your home various life skills such as budgeting, cooking, laundry, personal hygiene, and behavior coping skills. Some people may have more intensive needs such as assistance with mobility, bathing, or toileting. An Interdisciplinary Team supports the well-being of the person, and you and the person in your home are members of this team. Daily documentation of all training and interactions with the person is required.
Compensation
Host Home Providers receive payment on the first of each month for services provided during the previous month. The daily contractual payment is based on an individualized payment structure established by the State of Colorado which is based on an assessment of the needs of the person receiving services. This payment covers:
- Daily support services
- Respite care
- Transportation
- Attendance at on-going training classes and meetings
The Host Home Provider also enters into a residency agreement with the person who lives with them. This agreement, or lease, determines the room and board that will also be paid to the Host Home Provider.
Host Home Arrangements
Host Home Providers with CLA can support up to two people in their home, depending on available space. People have a choice of their housemates and a 90-day trial period ensures the placement is suitable for everyone involved.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants are evaluated by CLA’s Intake Coordinator, Executive Director, Residential Director, Administrative Director, and Residential Program Manager. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old, with a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Be honest, dependable, caring, and patient with good judgment.
- Be a good communicator with organizational skills.
- Have a house or apartment, rented or owned with a private bedroom and a private or semi-private bathroom for the person. The home must also include shared living areas such as a kitchen, living room, dining room, and yard.
- Provide a written proposal detailing your home’s physical description, neighborhood amenities, recreational facilities, transportation options, and other community resources.
- Clear a background check, including criminal history, driving record, and reference checks. All adults living in the home must also pass these checks.
- Be eligible to work in the developmental disability system, with no disqualifying allegations.
- Complete required training including State “Qualified Medication Administration Personnel” (QMAP), First Aid, CPR, Legal Rights, Mistreatment Reporting, and other CLA mandated training.
- Have good verbal and written communication skills to interact with CLA employees, Case Managers, parents/guardians and other professionals.
- Maintain full insurance coverage on your vehicle and adequate home/renter’s insurance.
- Be available to sign a renewable one-year contract with CLA.
- Own and be able to use a computer with internet service and have all necessary documentation equipment and supplies.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Host Home Provider or Respite Provider, please click the link below and complete our online application.
Host Home Provider Application
We look forward to receiving your application and potentially welcoming you into our community of Host Home Providers!