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Developmental Disabilities Professional information

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$35K

$52.9K

$84K

How much do developmental disabilities professional jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disabilities professional in the United States is $52,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $55,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Developmental Disabilities Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Developmental Disabilities Professional, you need a solid background in psychology, social work, or a related field—often requiring a relevant degree and state-specific certification or licensure. Familiarity with individualized support plans (ISPs), case management software, and compliance documentation systems is typically necessary. Strong advocacy, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and effectively support individuals with developmental disabilities. These skills are crucial to ensure person-centered care, regulatory compliance, and improved outcomes for clients.

What are some typical challenges a Developmental Disabilities Professional faces when supporting individuals with diverse needs?

Developmental Disabilities Professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing individualized care plans with limited resources, navigating complex family dynamics, and ensuring effective communication with multidisciplinary teams. Managing paperwork and compliance requirements alongside direct support duties can also be demanding. However, these challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, collaboration with colleagues, and strong organizational support, which help professionals provide the best possible care while maintaining work-life balance.

What is the difference between Developmental Disabilities Professional vs Behavior Analyst?

AspectDevelopmental Disabilities ProfessionalBehavior Analyst
CredentialsVaries; often requires a degree in social work, psychology, or related fieldBoard Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, residential facilitiesClinical settings, schools, private practice
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government programs, healthcare providersHealthcare, education, private consulting

While both roles support individuals with developmental disabilities, a Developmental Disabilities Professional provides broader support and coordination, whereas a Behavior Analyst specializes in designing and implementing behavior intervention plans based on behavioral analysis principles.

What are Developmental Disabilities Professionals?

Developmental Disabilities Professionals (DDPs) are specialists who provide support, coordination, and oversight for individuals with developmental disabilities. They assess needs, develop care plans, and ensure that services and supports meet regulatory and individual requirements. DDPs often work in settings such as group homes, community agencies, or state programs, advocating for client rights and facilitating access to necessary resources. Their role is vital in promoting independence and improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
More about Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disabilities Professional job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disabilities jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Disabilities jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disabilities Professional jobs are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disabilities Professional job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,887 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (Talladega)

Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (Talladega)

AltaPointe Health

Talladega, AL

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


AltaPointe Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Essential Functions:

  • Coordinate Individual Support Team (IST) functions and responsibilities
  • Plan and schedule meetings based on the preferences of the person receiving services regarding the time, place and persons invited to attend
  • Assist people to lead their meetings consistent with their preferences and abilities
  • Actively engage people to increase their participation in all aspects of their programing
  • Develop individual program plans based Personal Outcome Measures (POM) interviews, team members’ feedback and completion of required assessments to determine the person’s individual needs, goals and desires
  • Review the effectiveness of people’s individual program plans and services. Make timely modifications as needed
  • Serve as designated contact for people within assigned caseload, their parents, guardians and authorized representatives
  • Maintain documentation of people’s needs for supervision and support
  • Assure people have annual physical exams and recommendations are implemented to assure best possible health 
  • Assure people’s face sheets and contact information are up to date and accurate
  • Assure that people taking psychotropic medications have psychotropic medication monitoring plans and that plans are reviewed periodically as required by DMH standards
  • Assure that behavior plans, if applicable, are implemented and monitored as indicated in the plan and by DMH standards
  • Responsible for training program staff in implementation of people’s program plans
  • Identify and secure community opportunities that support people's identified interests
  • Ensure safety and community acceptance of people
  • Oversee the development of weekly individual and group schedules with direct input from people participating in the program
  • Complete after event evaluations of day's activities with people involved to determine each person's feelings about the activity and to better plan for future events
  • Assure individual schedules are available to the people, their families or guardians, providers and support coordinators as requeste
  • Assure Program Manager is immediately notified when an activity venue cannot be accessed for any reason
  • Maintain familiarity and follow Emergency Procedures for Community Bssed Program's manual and maintain emergency information pertaining to each person receiving services
  • Report, monitor and document accidents, injuries, behavior incidents and health concerns
  • Maintain updated program file with all required documents for people in assigned caseload
  • Complete all requirements within specified timelines
  • Respect confidentiality of personal information as stated in AltaPointe policy and procedures
  • Seek supervision and consultation as needed
  • Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
  • Actively works to enhance skills
  • Attend in-service training and professional development activities as required by DMH, AltaPointe or Division Coordinator
  • Treats individuals with care, dignity and compassion
  • Respects individual's privacy and confidentiality
  • Is pleasant and cooperative with others
  • Assist individuals and visitors as needed
  • Personal values don't inhibit ability to relate and care for others
  • Is sensitive to the individual's needs, expectations and individual differences
  • Is gentle and calm with individuals and families
  • Actively participates in Quality/Performance Improvement activities
  • Actively participates in AltaPointe committees as required
  • Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner
  • Follows AltaPointe policies and procedures
  • Any other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) in a human services field (Psychology, Sociology, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field), or a Registered Nurse and a minimum of one year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is required.  Must meet Department of Mental Health guidelines for designation as a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP).

Must meet all driving requirements.

Within six (6) months of employment, effectively demonstrate the application of population specific competencies:

  • Ability to interpret and implement support plans and to motivate, instruct, and supervise persons with intellectual disabilities.
  • Knowledge or psychiatric disorders and intellectual disabilities in the adult population
  • Knowledge of cultural diversity
  • Knowledge of available resources
  • Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practice
  • Knowledge of all applicable standards (DMH, Joint Commission, Medicaid)
  • Knowledge of Person Center Planning, natural supports and the philosophy of self-determination
  • Knowledge of utilizing electronic incident reporting