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Community Alternatives Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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How much do community alternatives jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Community Alternatives jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Community Alternatives jobs in Virginia are:
Community Alternatives jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Alternatives job openings in Virginia as of August 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.

Direct Support Professional

Community Living Alternatives

Springfield, VA

$401K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

RATE OF PAY: $19.00 + $1 weekend differential rate from Sat 8 am to Sun 11 pm

SCHEDULE: Sunday 9am-11pm, Monday -Wednesday 3pm-11pm

Direct Support Professional/Joy Giver

CLA provides supports, services and joy to 45 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Group Homes, Individual Apartments and out in the community. Together we work with individuals to build relationships that transcend any work relationship you have ever had. Yes, we keep them safe and help them acquire skills but our real job is helping them find their joy and in that task, we find our own joy as well.

What you have to offer:

* The ability to bring joy into the lives of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

* The ability to assess activities and physical space for risks (both physical and emotional) that may get in the way of successfully engaging in joyful experiences and ensuring necessary support is provided.

* The ability to communicate verbally and in writing about the joyful (and safe) activities that were had.

* The ability to support adults in finding, engaging, and advocating for joy as much on their own as possible.

Additional Skills:

* Accountability

* Honesty

* Ability to lift 50 pounds

* Familiarity working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities

* Team Player

* Patience

* Flexibility

What CLA has to offer:

* Health Insurance (CLA pays 95% for Single coverage of lowest option plan)

* Dental (CLA pays 95% for Single coverage of lowest option plan)

* Vision

* 100% CLA paid Life Insurance (1x salary up to max. of $50,000.)

* 401K Match

* Qualified Employer for Student Loan Forgiveness

* Flexible Benefits Plan (Unreimbursed Medical & Dependent Care)

* Weekend, Weather Emergency, Covid-related Differential Pay

* EAP

* Employee-paid supplemental Insurances, including STD/LTD and other options, offered at discounted group rates and some are pre-tax for employees and paid through payroll deductions.

* 4 weeks paid parental leave

* Mileage reimbursement

* Generous vacation and sick leave

* Holiday pay (10 paid holidays a year for full time employees)

* Bereavement Leave

* Paid Jury Duty Leave

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 stand, walk and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; taste or smell; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and frequently must provide physical support to individuals weighing 200 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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