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Alternative Family Living Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Andrews, NC

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Fletcher, NC

$13.25 - $17.25/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Brevard, NC · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Murphy, NC

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Asheville, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Brevard, NC

$13 - $16.50/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Franklin, NC

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Ayden, NC

$12 - $15.25/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Sylva, NC

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Asheville, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western ...

DSP - Alternative Family Living

Asheville, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

In an Alternative Family Living setting, the individual being served lives with the AFL Host or family. The AFL Host is responsible for the individual 24/7 365 and the individual served should blend ...

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Alternative Family Living information

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$9

$29

$64

How much do alternative family living jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for alternative family living in the United States is $29.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an alternative family living provider, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Alternative Family Living provider, you need a background in caregiving or human services, often supported by relevant training in developmental disabilities or mental health. Familiarity with individualized support plans, documentation systems, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting individuals with special needs. These skills ensure the provision of safe, compassionate, and effective care in a home-based environment.

What is alternative family living?

Alternative Family Living (AFL) is a community-based residential service for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In this arrangement, a person lives in a family-style home with a trained caregiver or family who provides support, supervision, and assistance with daily living skills. The goal of AFL is to offer a safe, nurturing environment that promotes independence and inclusion while meeting the unique needs of each individual. AFL is an alternative to institutional care, helping participants integrate into the community and achieve their personal goals.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an alternative family living provider?

As an Alternative Family Living (AFL) provider, your daily responsibilities typically include supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in your home. This can involve assisting with daily living activities such as meal preparation, personal care, medication management, and transportation to appointments or community activities. You’ll also work closely with care coordinators, therapists, and family members to ensure the individual’s needs are met and progress is documented. Building a trusting, supportive relationship and creating a safe, inclusive environment are central to the role.

What is the difference between Alternative Family Living vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectAlternative Family LivingPersonal Care Assistant
CredentialsVaries; often requires background checks and trainingOften requires certification or training in personal care
Work EnvironmentResidential settings, group homes, or family homesPrivate homes, healthcare facilities, or community settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, or private familiesHealthcare providers, home care agencies, or individual families

Alternative Family Living involves providing care in a family-style setting, often with a focus on community and social integration. Personal Care Assistants typically work one-on-one with clients in private or healthcare settings, focusing on daily living assistance. While both roles require compassion and some training, Alternative Family Living emphasizes a home environment, whereas Personal Care Assistants work more directly with individuals in various settings.

What cities are hiring for Alternative Family Living jobs?

Cities with the most Alternative Family Living job openings:

What states have the most Alternative Family Living jobs?

States with the most job openings for Alternative Family Living jobs include:

Infographic showing various Alternative Family Living job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,462 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Abound Health

Andrews, NC

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 4 days ago


Abound Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 242 rated social care providers


Job description

Become a Alternative Family Living (DSP) with Abound Health

Make a Lasting Impact by Welcoming Someone into Your Home and Daily Life
Location: Asheville, Hendersonville & Surrounding Western Communities
Position Type: Contract
Organization: Abound Health

Abound Health is hiring Alternative Family Living Direct Support Professionals to provide caregiving and daily living support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As an AFL Direct Support Professional (DSP). you will assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), community participation, and behavioral support while helping clients live independently. If you are compassionate, reliable, and looking for meaningful work where you can make a real difference, we would love to meet you!

This opportunity is ideal for individuals or families who value routine, enjoy community involvement, and are committed to helping someone build confidence and daily living skills through steady, relationship-based support.

What Is Alternative Family Living?
AFL is short for Alternative Family Living. AFL is a residential setting such as a single-family home, condo, townhouse, modular home or apartment. The AFL setting is sometimes referred to as an AFL home.

• The staff who lives in the AFL home that is getting paid to provide services to the Client is the AFL Direct Support Professional (DSP).

• AFL is a residential service provided in the primary residence of an AFL DSP (and their family) who receives reimbursement for the cost of care. This service is designed to provide care and support in a home environment for persons diagnosed with intellectual, emotional, and/or developmental disabilities.

What You’ll Do as an Alternative Family Living contractor
• Provide a safe, stable, and welcoming home
• Support daily living skills, routines, and healthy habits
• Offer mentorship, companionship, and emotional support
• Encourage community involvement and recreational activities
• Help the individual stay active through walkable, local outings
• Collaborate with Abound Health to follow person-centered plans
• Promote independence, dignity, and personal growth

Why Become an AFL?
• Transform a Life: Help an individual grow their independence and confidence
• Build Deep Connections: Form a meaningful, long-term relationship
• Work From Home: Provide support while maintaining your own routines
• Receive Support & Compensation: Alternative Family Living receive a daily stipend and ongoing training
• 24/7 Support: Abound Health provides emergency support, respite coordination, and clinical consultation

Alternative Family Living Requirements
To qualify, families must:
• Be North Carolina residents (Asheville, Hendersonville area strongly preferred)
• Be at least 21 years old
• Pass required background checks (FBI, child abuse, criminal)
• Complete home inspections and meet safety standards
• Provide personal and professional references
• Participate in interviews and a matching assessment
• Be willing to include the individual in meals, routines, activities, and family life

Training Provided at No Cost
All Alternative Family Living families receive:
• Abound Health-approved Alternative Family Living Orientation
• Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness
• Medication Administration (if applicable)
• Individual Rights & Person-Centered Planning
• Ongoing annual training (e.g., trauma-informed care, dignity & respect)

Additional Details
• Contract Position: AFL Direct Support Professional (DSP) are independent contractors
• Flexible Matching: We work closely with you to ensure compatibility
• Ongoing Support: 24/7 emergency assistance, respite options, and case management

How to Apply
If you’re interested in supporting an individual through Alternative Family Living Program — or want to learn more about becoming an AFL provider — please contact: demetrik.wilson@aboundhealth.com

Abound Health proudly supports inclusive, diverse families of all backgrounds and compositions. Join us in building relationships that change lives — one home at a time.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Abound Health is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status, or any other legally protected characteristic.


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