ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Community Alternatives Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GRID Alternatives

Construction Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Job Type Full-time Description About GRID Alternatives GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and ...

GRID ALTERNATIVES

Solar Installer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24 - $27.50/hr

Description About GRID Alternatives GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCommunity Alternatives JobsCommunity Alternatives Jobs in California

Community Alternatives information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do community alternatives jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for community alternatives in California is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.27 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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Community Alternatives jobs in California?

For Community Alternatives jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Alternatives jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Alternatives jobs in California are:

Community Alternatives jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Alternatives job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,503 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

SolarCorps Community Outreach Fellow

GRID Alternatives

Riverside, CA • On-site

$21.40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

SolarCorps Community Outreach Fellow
What is the SolarCorps Fellowship Program...
GRID Alternatives' SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic community members to join GRID Alternatives for an 11-month paid service term. In this position, you'll gain valuable experience in the renewable energy and non-profit industries while making significant contributions to communities most impacted by environmental and economic injustice!
Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.
Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.
Partnership with AmeriCorps
The SolarCorps Fellowship Program is part of the AmeriCorps network of programs. There are a limited number of AmeriCorps fellowships available.
Why do a Fellowship at GRID Alternatives...
GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.
Summary of the role:
We are seeking a full-time SolarCorps Community Outreach Fellow to engage with the outreach team and help implement outreach strategy to increase the number of income-qualified clients served in regional counties. Outreach SolarCorps members will educate underserved communities impacted by environmental and economic injustice about the benefits and cost-savings of renewable energy. Members are trained and supervised by GRID's regional outreach managers to support qualifying families through the solar installation process and educate families about other energy efficiency programs before going solar. Members with this experience go on to careers in solar sales, community engagement, and other related roles.
What you will be doing:
  • Lead/support a lead generation campaign to support single family enrollment and GRID's other programs
  • Pre-screen leads and follow up as needed
  • Assist in the client application process
  • Research, attend, and speak at community events (Workshops, tabling events, fairs)
  • Assist in and conduct trainings for homeowners once their systems are installed
  • Provide follow up with clients post-installation
  • Assist in creation of material, including social media posts, flyers, and video

Requirements
Your areas of knowledge and expertise...
  • To be eligible for AmeriCorps fellowships, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States.
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • 11-month commitment.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to represent GRID Alternatives positively
  • Comfortable being part of a team
  • Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and decision-making skills
  • Strong computer skills such as Microsoft Office, Google, Calendaring
  • After starting with GRID, must successfully register and maintain a Home Improvement Salesperson registration with the Contractors State License Board
  • Interest and enthusiasm for renewable energy, community development, and helping families and communities in need.
  • Availability for an in-person Mid-Year weeklong Career Readiness Retreat in California

It would be great if you also had...
  • Clean, valid driver's license and clean driving record.
  • Bilingual in Spanish or another language
  • Sales or community outreach experience

Benefits and how we take care of you
AmeriCorps Fellowship Compensation:
  • This is a full-time position with a stipend pay of $40,800 over 11 months (Approx $21.40.hr).
  • Members who complete 1700 hours of service with GRID and complete their contracted term of service will be eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $10,000 upon successful completion of fellowship

AmeriCorps Fellowship Benefits:
  • 10 days of personal time off and 13 holidays observed by GRID, Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance, Childcare Assistance if Eligible

Where you will sit & the places you may go...
The ideal candidate will sit in Riverside, CA. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver's license and have a good driving record.
Important to note for California applicants:
**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.
Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG
Ready to Apply?
Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.
GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.

Apply