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Community Alternatives Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Billing & Claims Specialist

Concord, NC · On-site

$37K - $52K/yr

... Claims with CAP ( Community Alternatives Program ). 5. Monthly Batching of Financial Management Entity claims 6. The development and implementation of processes and guidelines to ensure ...

Social Worker - CAC/CADI/TBI

Faribault, MN · On-site

$36.01 - $50.41/hr

Provides case management services to clients in Community Alternative Care (CAC), Community Alternatives for Disabled Individuals (CADI) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Home and Community Based ...

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Community Alternatives information

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How much do community alternatives jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for community alternatives in the United States is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $23.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Support Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Support Specialist, you need a background in social services or human services, often with a relevant degree or certification, and an understanding of case management principles. Familiarity with client management software, documentation protocols, and sometimes crisis intervention certifications is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively support clients facing various life challenges. These competencies ensure that clients receive appropriate resources, advocacy, and support to improve their well-being and integration within the community.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Community Alternatives roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Alternatives roles often face the challenge of balancing client needs with available resources, as well as navigating complex community systems and regulations. Managing diverse caseloads and supporting individuals with varying backgrounds and needs can also be demanding. To address these challenges, effective communication, strong organizational skills, and regular collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are essential. Ongoing training and peer support can further help professionals adapt to dynamic environments and deliver impactful services.

What are Community Alternatives?

Community Alternatives are programs and services designed to provide support, supervision, or treatment to individuals—often those involved with the criminal justice or mental health systems—instead of placing them in more restrictive environments like jails, prisons, or hospitals. These alternatives can include probation, community service, electronic monitoring, residential treatment, or outpatient support. The goal is to help individuals reintegrate into society, reduce recidivism, and offer more cost-effective and rehabilitative options than institutionalization.

What is the difference between Community Alternatives vs Community Support Specialist?

AspectCommunity AlternativesCommunity Support Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in behavioral healthHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in mental health or social services preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based settings, group homes, or residential facilitiesCommunity agencies, client homes, or outpatient centers
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare providersSocial service agencies, mental health organizations, community programs

Community Alternatives and Community Support Specialists both serve in community-based settings to assist individuals with mental health or developmental needs. While their roles overlap in providing support and services, Community Alternatives often focus on case management and coordinating care, whereas Community Support Specialists typically deliver direct client support and assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in community health and social services.

More about Community Alternatives jobs
What cities are hiring for Community Alternatives jobs? Cities with the most Community Alternatives job openings:
What states have the most Community Alternatives jobs? States with the most job openings for Community Alternatives jobs include:
Infographic showing various Community Alternatives job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 65% Physical, 32% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,067 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Case Manager, QIDP

$23.80 - $28.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) invites you to apply for our open QIDP position and join our team an Independent Service Coordinator.

This position will require on-site visits with individuals in private homes and provider agencies in accordance with The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities.

What makes Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) one of the best social service agencies to work for:

· No after hours calls required

· No weekend work schedule required, optional

· Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy of 30 paid days off annually: includes 20 days PTO and 10 paid holidays per year.

· Enjoy a career with opportunities for internal promotions – all internal promotions are based on job knowledge, experience, education and performance

CAU Employee benefits:

· 401k

Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short Term Disability and Long-Term Disability plans provided by agency at no cost to the employee.

· Affordable health, dental and vision insurance plans.

· Monthly mileage reimbursement

As an Individual Service Coordinator (ISC)/Case Manager your Essential Job duties include, but are not limited to:

· Manage a caseload of individuals with Developmental Disabilities

· Provide advocacy support and education to individuals and guardian(s) regarding choices of service options and ensure service linkage

· Learn and utilize CAU Birdseye for documentation of Discoveries, Personal Plans, Consents, ISSA Monitoring notes, etc.

· Coordinate home visits with the individual and guardian(s) to assess choices and satisfaction levels while monitoring for changes in the health or safety of the individual

· Coordinate needed or requested changes in service providers or programs

· Complete required records, visiting reports, Person-Centered Plans, and other related IL Department of Human Services (DHS) mandated forms in accordance with DHS required time frames

· Complete and report mandated reports of suspected, alleged, of reported neglect, abuse, and/or exploitation

· Additional duties will be discussed during an interview

This position reports to a Senior Program Manager or Program Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a full-time position. Days and hours are flexible based on clients’ needs.

Community Alternatives Unlimited is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or a related field (Required)

· Minimum one-year of personal or professional experience working with individuals with developmental / intellectual disabilities (Required)

· Qualified Intellectual Developmental Professional (QIDP) eligibility required, credentialed preferred

· Valid Driver’s License, Insurance, and reliable transportation (Required)

· Bilingual encouraged to apply

· Ability to meet Essential Job Functions

  • Requires at least 1 year of experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability or a related condition such as autism or cerebral palsy.
  • Experience in any of the following:

- A developmental training program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

- A vocational program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

- A residential program for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

- A provider of in-home support services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

  • Possess QIDP Certification and verification of 40 hour QIDP training completion.
  • Demonstrate computer literacy.
  • Possess strong verbal and written English language skills.
  • Strong communication skills (face-to-face, phone, and written).
  • Must have own reliable transportation to travel to clients in the Community Alternatives Unlimited (CAU) geographical areas as needed or required. The CAU geographical area covers Chicago, north of Roosevelt road; Cook County North & Northwest suburbs and all of Lake County, Illinois.
  • Demonstrate team and collaboration skills/experience.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.