Join the Papa Movement: Earn Money, Work Flexible Hours & Bring Joy!

Aryn Nichols knows firsthand how important and necessary caregivers are to those in need.

"I was the main caregiver for my dad before he passed away, and I know how important it is to retain independence as we grow older but still have the assistance we need," she says.

So when Aryn heard about Papa, a company that connects its members and their families to real people for help with companionship, everyday tasks, car rides, and more, she decided to apply to be a "Papa Pal." Aryn found that not only did Papa give her an opportunity to provide a worthwhile service to people in her community, but that she was able to work the hours and days she wanted.

Apply today to become a Papa Pal in your community!

Some Papa Pals work just three hours a week, while others work 10. The number of hours you work depends on your personal goals and how many Papa members live in your community and need help. Papa Pals earn between $17 and $20 an hour, after bonuses, and are reimbursed for transportation mileage if you provide car rides to a Papa member.

^{Kimberly Reynolds Photography}

As a parent of two girls in school and the Florida publisher of Macaroni KID Winter Park and Macaroni KID Apopka-Maitland, she appreciated the ability to work a side job with so much flexibility.

"You pick the jobs that work for your schedule," she says. "If you have a day off school, you can choose not to take Papa jobs that day. It's the perfect flexibility for a parent."

Interested in learning more about this flexible, part-time job that allows you to make a real difference in someone's life?

Here are the details:

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Who Papa helps

Papa Pals primarily provides companion care services and support with everyday needs to older adults. But Papa also serves younger individuals, such as someone who is recovering from surgery or illness or who has a chronic illness or disability.

Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and many commercial health plans work with Papa to provide these services, which could range from running errands, like picking up prescriptions or grocery shopping, to helping with house tasks, ranging from meal prep to light cleaning.

Some Papa members simply need companionship. You can provide that by chatting with them over a glass of iced tea or playing a board game together.

^{Pulse Photography and Design}

Who can apply to be a Papa Pal?

One of the great things about Papa is that the work it does for people — driving someone to a medical appointment, helping with light household chores, or simply offering companionship and a listening ear — requires no specialized skills. You just need to be human.

"Just talking to someone about their day, their past, their joys helps them connect with someone and feel like somebody is listening," Aryn says.

Papa itself says the most important attributes its Papa Pals have is being caring, patient and reliable.

There are some requirements of course, but it's nothing unusual. Papa Pals must:

Be age 21 or above
Have a U.S. work authorization
Possess a valid form of ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
Have proof of insurance (only if you want to do transportation visits)
Have a clean and dependable vehicle (only if you want to do transportation visits)
Be available to work immediately
Pass a background check

What's not required? Health care experience. No health care experience is required to become a Papa Pal because you won't be asked to do any type of medical service.

^{Kimberly Reynolds Photography}

Want to apply? Here's what to expect

The application process: The application process takes time, just as it does for any job. It can take a few days or a couple of weeks, depending how many applications are coming in and how many background checks are being conducted. Please be patient! Background checks are done by a respected third-party company.
Your first visit: As a newly-approved Papa Pal, it can take time to schedule your first visit. This is because many Papa members in your community are already “matched” with current Papa Pals, also called Preferred Pals. However, new members join throughout the year so you will see opportunities. Check the app regularly to find out about Papa members in need in your community.
Last-minute visits: Last-minute visits are among the best ways to earn bonuses. These are posted in the app. You may also get a text message letting you know about a Papa member in immediate need.

Aryn's tip for new Papa Pals?

"Have patience, be cheerful and go in with an open mind," she says. "If you do that, you'll leave with the joy of a job well done and the satisfaction of helping someone."

Join the Papa movement!
Apply today to become a Papa Pal in your community.

Know of someone who might benefit from visits with a Papa Pal? Most insurances cover this service. Find out more.