1

Developmental Disability Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Developmental Disability information

See salary details

$35K

$52.9K

$84K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability 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 Disability Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Specialist, you need a background in psychology, social work, or special education, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree and, in some cases, state licensure. Familiarity with individualized service plans (ISPs), case management software, and documentation standards is typically required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals build trust and advocate effectively for clients. These competencies ensure high-quality support, enable effective care coordination, and improve the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, behavioral issues, and the need to tailor support to each person's unique abilities. Addressing these challenges requires patience, creativity, and strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, educators, and family members. Building trust and using individualized strategies, such as visual aids or assistive technology, can greatly enhance both communication and overall support.

What are developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that originate during the developmental period, typically before the age of 22, and cause physical, learning, language, or behavioral impairments. These disabilities can include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and Down syndrome, among others. They may affect daily functioning and often require lifelong support and services. The severity and type of support needed can vary greatly from person to person.

What is the difference between Developmental Disability vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectDevelopmental DisabilityOccupational Therapist
Required CredentialsVaries; often no specific certification, but may include special education or healthcare trainingMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, state licensure, and NBCOT certification
Work EnvironmentSchools, healthcare facilities, community programsHospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers
Employer & Industry UsageSpecial education, healthcare, social servicesHealthcare, rehabilitation, educational settings
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding disabilities and support servicesTherapeutic interventions for functional improvement

Developmental Disability refers to a broad range of conditions affecting development, while an Occupational Therapist is a healthcare professional providing therapy to improve daily functioning. The two are related but serve different roles within healthcare and support services.

More about Developmental Disability jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Disability jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disability jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 11% As Needed, 42% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,887 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Clinician - Developmental Disability Services

The Children's Center of Wayne County

Detroit, MI • On-site

$54K - $71.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description
Are you looking for an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication and passion of working with children, specifically those who have unique needs? If you want to help shape the futures of children who struggle with succeeding in school or maintaining successful relationships, The Children's Center Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) is the program for you!
The DDS program is designed to meet the unique needs of children who have been diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. We are seeking clinically trained staff to work in our outpatient office, located in the vibrant Midtown Detroit. You will work steps away from the new QLine that can transport you from Midtown to Downtown Detroit, in just minutes!
The DDS program provides opportunities for clinical staff to work within a team of their peers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and BCBAs to ensure high quality services and meet the needs of our families. In this role you would receive ongoing training in the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis and other evidence-based strategies, which in turn allows the clinicians to implement the most appropriate interventions with their clients. In addition to ongoing training, this position will allow for the opportunity to grow and develop skills not only in individual and family therapy practice, but also developing skills in facilitating group therapy, during our ongoing social skill group sessions.
Does this sound like the position for you?!
This position will be responsible for some of the following:
  • Using a Family Centered Planning model, coordinate and monitor delivery of services and implementation of behaviorally specific treatment goals and objectives for assigned clients including the assessment, treatment, coordination of referrals and additional of services with outside providers.
  • Maintain all paperwork, clinical records, reports, case notes, and all other client documentation in the appropriate electronic record systems, meeting all agency, contractual or billing requirements and deadlines.
  • Provide a variety of services to assigned caseload, such as individual, family, group therapy, case consultation, advocacy, crisis intervention, referral for short-term and long-term hospitalization, etc. with a focus on ABA specific skills for interventions.

To qualify for this position you will need:
  • A Masters level degree in mental health related field such as; social work or counseling and corresponding professional licensure
  • A minimum of 1 year prior experience working with children or adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in a program that diagnoses, evaluates and treats minors and their families in a community based setting as needed.
  • Prior experience providing and managing mental and behavioral health services and Evidenced Based Practices preferred.
  • If position requires driving, you must be able to provide proof of having a current, valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance

***Potential performance incentives available***
While you are taking care of our clients, we want to take care of you!
TCC offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package including:
  • Medical & prescription coverage with a minimal employee contribution
  • 100% employer paid dental & vision coverage for all full time staff members & eligible dependents
  • Employee life insurance & optional dependent life Insurance
  • Accident & critical illness insurance
  • 403(b) thrift plan with employer match after 1 year; fully vested after 2 years
  • Employee assistance program
  • Continuing education & full licensure stipend
  • Longevity pay after 3 years
  • 160 hours of paid time off your 1st year, 200 hours your 2nd year, up to 280 hours
  • 10 paid holidays
  • Approved site for the National Health Services Corps

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.