Alternative Family Living (DSP)

Abound Health; Hayesville (NC); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work From Home

24/7 emergency support

Respite options and case management

Job summary

Abound Health seeks Alternative Family Living Direct Support Professionals to provide caregiving and daily living support for individuals with IDD. As an AFL Direct Support Professional, you’ll assist with ADLs, community participation, and behavioral support while helping clients live independently.

This contract role suits families who value routine, community involvement, and building lasting relationships, with training provided and ongoing support.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Caregiving

ADLs

Behavioral support

Community involvement

Education

21+ years old

Tools

Background checks

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

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.