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Community Alternatives Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Community Alternatives information

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How much do community alternatives jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for community alternatives in Virginia is $20.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $23.37 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 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 Virginia? For Community Alternatives jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Community Alternatives job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,698 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Home Manager/Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) 12/05/25

Home Manager/Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) 12/05/25

Community Living Alternatives

Fairfax, VA

$20.75 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Rate of Pay: $60,000-$ 70,000 SUMMARY Responsible for the day-to-day operations of assigned homes or programs. Supervises and trains assigned Direct Support Professionals. Provides assistance and support to the individuals supported and serves as main contact for case management, families, guardians and other authorized persons such as consultants or other providers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. All persons in the position must be capable of performing these functions, in adherence to all CLA policies and procedures. Serves as the main contact at the home for families, case managers, consultants, and other authorized persons.

Ensures the timely development of the annual Person Centered Individual Service Plan (ISP) for each individual supported, in collaboration with case management, family members and other team members and monitor active treatment and documentation. Implements or ensures the implementation of the particular requirements of the ISP on a daily basis. In the ICF, ensures compliance with all pertinent federal regulations applicable to community ICFs.

Monitors workshops/rehab. providers/day programs and outside recreation activities. Conducts and oversees assessments to implement and revise goals for residents.

Facilitates collection of baseline data for programming efforts. Oversees and trains staff on techniques of medication administration. Monitors medication management and correct interpretation of Physician Orders and MAR's.

Participates in on call after hours and weekend rotational duties and monitors Behaviour Management programs. Promotes resident's rights, assists residents to make informed decisions, treats residents with dignity and respect, report suspected abuse or neglect, and supports independent expression, choice and decision-making. Provides training, assists and supports the individuals supported in all activities of daily living (ADLs) according to their specific support needs.

These areas will include hygiene, wellness matters, housekeeping, communications, socialization, appropriate use of leisure time, shopping and money management, use of community resources, and other activities of daily living, as necessary. Assist, support, oversee, model and/or train individuals on personal care issues including bathing, toileting, ostomy care, catheters, diabetes monitoring, and other related functions. Applies quality improvement principles, tools and techniques; assists in data collections; identifies processes for improvement in daily work; educates new staff in new process.

Complete semi-annual documentation regarding individuals' satisfaction with services. Complete annual supervisor competencies checklist. Ensures required plan documentation, reports, and other CLA records are maintained.

Ensures appropriate and adequate staff coverage by maintaining staff schedules for the home, participating in after hours and weekend on-call duties, and providing coverage as required. Ensures all maintenance needs of the homes and vehicles are completed as needed and in accordance with prescribed maintenance schedules. Conducts weekly review on site, and monthly balancing of house accounts, resident's accounts, and receipts at the CLA business office.

Writes, reviews or submits reports as required. Schedules and conducts monthly staff meetings at the home. Attends management meetings and CLA all-staff meetings.

Processes assigned staff leave requests for Project Director approval. Conducts staff training, including relief staff, on procedures, required documentation, and any other related to the needs of the individuals supported. Schedules and follows up on medical referrals, procurement of medication and monitoring of MARs (Medication Administration Records).

Supervises assigned staff to ensure support services are being provided as required, that staff are performing as directed and within the expectations of their respective job descriptions, and that necessary documentation is completed and correct. Researches opportunities for the individuals supported to build community relationships and participate in community activities, and implement participation. Ensures monthly fire, evacuation, and emergency preparedness drills for residents and staff are done, and completes required documentation, in accordance with licensing regulations.

Reviews data from drills to best inform emergency training and procedures for each home and individual. Coordinates with the Project Director and other CLA staff to ensure the home is compliant with CLA policy, licensure, Medicaid Waiver requirements, human rights requirements, OSHA requirements, and other contractual policies and procedures as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position may supervise up to 12 Direct Support Professionals. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE At least one year of documented experience working directly with individuals who have intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities, and one of the following credentials: (i) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed in Virginia, (ii) a registered nurse licensed in Virginia, or (iii) completion of at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field, including, but not limited to sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology. LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure and policy manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before family groups of the individuals supported, other interested parties, or employees of CLA. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or scheduled form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS The employee is required to maintain a valid driver's license and clean driving record. Additionally, the employee is required to have his or her privately owned vehicle immediately available while on duty. The vehicle must be legally licensed, registered and insured according to the laws of the state of the employee's residence.

The vehicle must be maintained for safe highway operation. The employee is required to maintain CPR/First Aid certification and to maintain required training and certification in such other areas as are necessary for CLA licensure or mandated by CLA Policy. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and provide physical support for individuals weighing over 200 pounds, Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. .