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
How to Apply
If you’re interested in supporting an individual through Alternative Family Living Program — or want to learn more about becoming an AFL provider — please contact: demetrik.wilson@aboundhealth.com
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.
At Abound Health, we empower people—clients, families, and staff—to live fulfilling and enriched lives. For over 20 years, we have been a trusted partner for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, providing personalized services and supports that promote independence, dignity, and growth.
Our journey began when founders Janet and Rusty sought quality care for their son with autism. Their personal mission became a larger movement to deliver high-quality, person-centered services to those who need it most. Today, under the leadership of siblings Jenna and Dennis, who joined Abound Health in 2020 to make a meaningful impact, we serve over 2,500 clients across North Carolina, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our dedicated team of 3,000 professionals works tirelessly to create environments of care, support, and empowerment.
We are proud to grow through a strategic acquisition model, seamlessly integrating new teams and services to expand our reach while maintaining our core values. At Abound Health, we believe in the power of community, respect, and opportunity. Whether we’re empowering individuals with I/DD to achieve their goals or supporting our dedicated staff, we strive to make every moment impactful.
Join us in building a world where empowerment isn’t just a mission—it’s a way of life.
