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Testimonials

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide comments on Melissa, the PSS whose been caring for my dad..

Melissa has been a Ray of Sunshine for my Dad and myself. We enjoy her bubbly personality. When Dad is having a rough morning or I am feeling down, she lifts our spirits. We feel fortunate that Melissa was chosen for us. Dad comments often to me that she is a nice girl and she is a good worker. My Dad rarely gives compliments so it makes me feel good to know he cares for Melissa.

She has taken the time to get to know Dad and has become very in tuned to his moods especially when he has a challenging day. Melissa is able to interact with Dad so his healthcare needs are met and his outlook is a better one for our upcoming day. She makes him smile on days I know is difficult for him.

I admire her work habits. She is very conscientious and wants to do whatever she can to help and ensures she has done what the plan requires. Often we discuss Dad involving different things we observe about him or ways we can help him more. She is very diligent about letting me know if she notices anything about his cognitive issues or anything else health-wise she feels I need to know. This not only helps give me insight but allows us to act as a team to provide Dad with the best care possible. I keep notes on his general health condition and progression with his dementia, She gives me information I can also relay to his doctor.

She is a very special young lady who is here for her client not the money. I use to work in the healthcare field and I have an ability to detect those whose heart are not in the job they are doing. This is not the case with Melissa, she wants to make a difference in her clients and their families lives. She has done so much for me that has made my days easier as I am Dads 24/7 caregiver. She gives me that time to regroup and keep moving on. I never worry about anything when she is with Dad, i know he is safe. That has meant so much to me.

Thank you again for allowing me to express our families gratitude and appreciation for all that Melissa does and how she affects our lives. She has a heart of Gold.

Sincerely,

Jane, Bangor

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I just wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for my Dad’s Home Health Aide Cheryl B. Dad is a very independent person, and it’s hard for him to have people coming into the home to help. Usually he tires of them quite quickly and wants to fire everyone. However he LOVES Cheryl, and so do I. She “gets” my Dad (so important!), and they have a very special relationship. He genuinely cares about her and appreciates her, and often tells me about special things she does such as keeping the place clean and making him delicious egg salad. And I feel like she genuinely cares about him, and is doing this work because she truly believes in helping people. It is not "just a paycheck” for Cheryl, for sure.

Recently my Dad has had a series of hospitalizations and rehab, and he often asks me about her. He wants to be sure she’s OK (!) and that she knows what’s going on with him. When I told him that we might be able to get her MORE days per week when he comes home, he was so happy and relieved to hear that. (You have no idea how unusual this is for my Dad! It speaks volumes about Cheryl).

A couple of days ago she called him in the rehab and he was DELIGHTED- “You’ll never guess who called me!" That made me so happy I got teary because, understandably, he has been quite down and discouraged lately. These struggles are difficult in the best of times, but with COVID-19 isolating everyone so much, it’s super hard.

I hope Assistance Plus as an organization knows what a treasure you have in Cheryl. Hold onto that lady and treat her well - she deserves it!

Yours gratefully,

B.R. Harpswell


I enjoy working with you. When you have a PSS who you have hired, you call me. You are professional. Your agency is big and good PSS staff is essential for my clients. You are pleasant work with, easy going, hire PSS’s that are productive and work to their fullest capacity. I always look forward to hearing from you, especially when you have staffing for me. G.M, CC, Lewiston


I wanted to take a quick second to thank you and express what a pleasure it was to work with you. Your program is the best program I have worked with in Maine!! Your passion for your work really shines through; in a thankless field like this it is so refreshing. I appreciate the work you do! M.M, CCM. S.B, Waterville


Assistance Plus has been so good to me. Thank all of you for allowing me to work for you. My passion is to serve and watch my clients become as independent as they can be in this very challenging world we live in. I appreciate and respect all Assistance Plus has done for me over the years. Thank you! M.A, Madison


Assistance Plus is an excellent place to work for. I highly recommend that you should apply to work here. I have been with them for almost two years now and plan to stay with them tell I retire.M.B, Benton


I love working for Assistance Plus! All of the supervisors are great! It’s really a great place to work.E.B, Winslow


The Assistance Plus day program on Michael Lane in Waterville is outstanding. Our son loves the staff, the activities and the other clients. The staff treat our son as they would their own child. They are kind, patient, but with clear expectations for his continued skill development. We also appreciate that we are able to take our son on family vacations without losing his spot in the program. You offer the flexibility and loving support that our family needs. THANK YOU! M.T, Windsor


Thank you Assistance Plus for allowing me to be a part of the team. Thank you for allowing me to hopefully make a difference in the loves of our clients. Compassion is my passion. M.A, Madison


Having more workers like Danielle, I have had Danielle for a while and she is awesome, she has helped me with so much. I just love her. A.F, Waterville


I think Danielle does a great job she is very caring and has helped me a lot. I would definitely recommend Danielle as a Case Manager to anyone who needed CM services. N.H, Skowhegan


My services are as perfect as they can be. *K.A, Fairfield*


Assistance Plus is good. Bruce has been with me a long time and that says something. I can set my clock by him. *E.L, Augusta*


Laurie is a great worker, does everything and never sits down. She’s amazing. *S.L,*


I just love my Case Manager Felicia she is my lifeline. She always goes above and beyond to help me and will always adjust her schedule to accommodate my needs if needed. *S.B, Waterville*


I just love my Case Manager Donna she always goes above and beyond for me. *R.W, Augusta*


Wouldn’t change anything. My scheduler and PSS are just wonderful and I appreciate all of the help. *M.B, Lewiston*


I love what they do. They go beyond what their title is suppose to do for you. So much compassion towards clients! *B.P, Hartland*


I really like Mark he has done a lot for me. I would not be where I am today if not for him. I trust him completely and I am not a very trusting person. He always treats me with respect and makes sure others do as well because I don’t speak up for myself. I would recommend Assistance Plus to anyone who needs Case Management services! *K.R, Fairfield*


I’ve been with Assistance Plus for 5 years and my Case Managers Amanda and Lynette have helped me overcome so much. I am very pleased with my services. I love that my Case Manager provides active listening skills and I feel comfortable talking with her. I am very happy with Lynette. E.L, Belfast

Careers

OPEN POSITIONS

Adult Case Managers

Children's Case Managers

Certified Intentional Support Specialists

Daily Living Support Specialists

Direct Support Professionals

In-Home Care Team Leader

Personal Support Specialists

Youth Support Specialists

Variable Hour & Part-Time Position Benefits

Mileage reimbursement.

Flexible schedule.

Paid travel time.

Generous paid time off.

Working within 30 miles of your home.

No vaccine requirement.

Work/Life Balance

Discounted AAA membership

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

401K Retirement Plan

Full-Time Position Benefits

Twelve (12) paid holidays.

Generous paid time off.

Medical, dental, vision, and voluntary insurance.

Agency-paid Short-Term Disability

Agency-paid life insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Mileage reimbursement.

401K Retirement Plan

Discounted AAA membership.

Being part of a great team!

Shared Living Provider FAQ

What is Shared Living?

Shared living is similar to foster care for adults with an Intellectual/Developmental disability and/or Autism diagnosis. A shared living resident becomes part of the fabric of the provider’s family, home, and community. Shared Living Providers support their client(s) with daily living skills, personal care, organization and scheduling of appointments, transportation, community inclusion, interpersonal skill development, and a host of other supports. Many people hosted by a shared living household also attend community support programs and work.

The client’s guardians and families are encouraged to remain actively involved with and provide support and guidance to their family member and their shared living provider(s). It is sometimes appropriate for a family member to become the shared living provider. Shared living providers are caring, compassionate people who open their hearts and homes to support others. Shared Living services are specific to each client’s needs.

What are the benefits of supporting people in a shared living arrangement?

Shared living closely replicates a private home experience. Providers open their homes, and offer support, friendship, companionship, and opportunities for growth. Providers are provided free training and receive a generous tax-free, monthly stipend for their home-based care and supports.

Shared living providers are all different, just as clients are all different:

Becoming a successful shared living provider depends on what the person with a disability is looking for. People’s ideal living situations vary – from traditional family scenarios with children, to living with a single housemate. It is all about the match!

Do I need to own a house to be a Shared Living Provider?

No. As long as your home meets environmental requirements - as determined through an Assistance Plus home assessment - as a good place for the person to live, you can either rent or own your home.

Do I have to be a Assistance Plus Employee to be a Shared Living Provider?

No. Shared Living Providers are not employees of Assistance Plus; they are independent contractors.

How Long is the Required Commitment?

Assistance Plus expects a minimum of a one-year commitment; however, most arrangements last longer.

How Do I Get Paid?

SL Provider is paid via a tax-free stipend bi-weekly, after services are rendered. There are no medical/dental benefits associated.

Next Steps:

If you are willing to share your life and home with a person with an intellectual/ developmental disability and/or autism (I/DD A), please contact our Shared Living Provider Coordinator, Tiffany Raymond ()

Begin to Prepare to become a Shared Living
Provider with the resources below:

Mandated Reporter Quiz

Please take the required test below. On the last slide, you will need to click the link, enter the required information, Select "Direct Support Profession" and begin your quiz. Save your Certificate and provide a copy to the Agency Shared Living Coordinator. Thank you.

APS-Mandated-Reporter-Training

HIPAA and Bloodborne Pathogens Test

Please take the required test below. The results of your tests will be emailed to the Shared Living Coordinator. Thank you.

HIPAA Bloodborne Pathogens Quiz

Review the NADSP Code of Ethics for Direct Support Professionals (DSP)

https://www.nadsp.org/code-of-ethics-text/

Read the Maine State Shared Living Model Handbook for more details about the specific roles and responsibilities.

Shared Living Guide for Individuals

Shared Living Guide for Providers

Shared Living Guide for Oversight Agencies

Read the Assistance Plus Shared Living Manual

Shared Living Manual

Looking for additional training on:

Challenging Behaviors or Brain Injury Basics

Check out these Emergency Preparedness Resources

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief.html

https://211maine.org/contact/

Our Mission:	By supporting and caring for people at all points in life, together we can make a difference.
Our Vision:	Maine ~ where individuals in need receive services that support choices for a quality life.
Our Values:	Commitment ~ Integrity ~ Compassion

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