Community Coach (Direct Support Professional)

Job Description

Job Description

Community Coach – Community Access Program

Virginia Therapeutic Network (VATN)
Location: Richmond, Virginia & surrounding communities
Employment: Full-Time or Part-Time
Program: Community Access Program
Career Pathway: BCBA Supervision Pathway Available

About VATN

Virginia Therapeutic Network (VATN) is a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build meaningful, individualized lives within their communities.

Our Community Access Program provides individualized support focused on independence, communication, social participation, community safety, functional skills, and access to meaningful activities.

We are seeking compassionate, dependable Community Coaches who want to make a meaningful difference while developing skills in behavioral health and community-based services.

Position Overview

The Community Coach provides individualized support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping each person build connections, pursue meaningful activities, and increase independence in their community.

People

Support individuals in developing relationships, communication, social skills, self-advocacy, and positive community interactions while respecting personal choices, preferences, and boundaries.

Purpose

Help individuals participate in activities that are meaningful to them, such as hobbies, recreation, volunteering, education, learning new skills, and working toward goals identified in their person-centered plan.

Place

Support individuals in accessing and participating in real-world community settings, including parks, libraries, stores, restaurants, recreational facilities, community events, volunteer opportunities, and other locations identified through their person-centered plan.

The Community Coach does more than accompany someone in the community. Community experiences are used as opportunities for skill development, choice, connection, and increased independence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support based on the person's plan and identified goals.

• Teach and practice functional skills in natural community environments.

• Support communication, social interaction, decision-making, self-advocacy, and community navigation.

• Help individuals make choices and participate in meaningful activities.

• Implement individualized behavioral and skill-building strategies as directed by the clinical team.

• Use positive, respectful, and person-centered approaches.

• Support coping and communication strategies when barriers to participation occur.

• Collect accurate data related to assigned goals and skill development.

• Communicate successes, concerns, and significant events to supervisors.

• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.

• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and VATN policies.

• Follow applicable DMAS, DBHDS, and program requirements.

• Attend required training, meetings, and supervision.

Community Activities May Include

• Recreation and leisure

• Shopping and errands

• Restaurants and community dining

• Parks and outdoor activities

• Libraries and community centers

• Volunteer and employment-related activities

• Social activities and community events

• Public transportation and community navigation

• Educational opportunities

• Independent living skill development

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Valid driver's license and ability to transport clients in the community.

• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and onboarding.

• Ability to work independently in community settings.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.

• Commitment to supporting individuals with dignity and respect.

• Willingness to learn and implement individualized support strategies.

Preferred

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

• Experience in behavioral health, ABA, education, human services, or a related field.

• Coursework or degree in psychology, behavior analysis, special education, social work, or a related field.

BCBA Supervision Pathway

VATN is committed to developing future behavior-analytic professionals. Qualified Community Coaches may have the opportunity to participate in a BCBA supervision pathway while working in the Community Access Program.

Depending on education, experience, eligibility, performance, and supervision capacity, opportunities may include:

• Supervised fieldwork toward BCBA certification.

• Supervision from qualified VATN BCBAs.

• Behavior-analytic training and professional development.

• Experience with data collection, skill acquisition, behavioral strategies, and clinical programming.

• Mentorship and development toward additional behavioral-health responsibilities.

Participation is based on eligibility, performance, available supervision, and applicable BACB requirements. Employment as a Community Coach does not guarantee BCBA supervision hours or certification eligibility.

Why Join VATN?

At VATN, community services are about more than supervision or keeping people occupied. We help people build lives that are meaningful to them.

Community Coaches have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, teach practical skills, support independence, and see the impact of their work in real-world environments.

For individuals pursuing behavior analysis, the position provides practical experience in ABA, person-centered planning, data collection, skill acquisition, community-based intervention, and ethical professional practice.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Competitive hourly rate $18-22 based on education and experience. Two built it raises within 6 months of employment. 

Eligible employees may have access to:

• Flexible scheduling

• Paid training

• Professional development

• BCBA supervision pathway opportunities

• Clinical mentorship

• Advancement opportunities

• Multidisciplinary collaboration

• VATN training and professional-development events

Benefits and eligibility vary by employment status and organizational policy.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more independently and meaningfully in their communities—and want to build a career in behavioral health—we would love to hear from you.

Visit to apply today or email View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Join VATN and help build communities where people have opportunities to participate, connect, contribute, and thrive.

Virginia Therapeutic Network, LLC
A Network Built on Values.