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Developmental Disability Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland - MDH Potomac Center

MD · On-site

ICF-ID; Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services; CNA Certification/statutory\r\n requirements ... Five years of\r\nexperience providing residential services in a developmental disability or\r ...

Emerge

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Registered Nurse Case Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site

$68K - $71K/yr

You will be responsible for overseeing the health care needs of an assigned caseload of persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Responsibilities: · Complete initial nursing assessment ...

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How much do developmental disability nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for developmental disability nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Developmental Disability Nurse job?

A Developmental Disability Nurse (DDN) is a specialized nurse who provides care for individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other cognitive or physical impairments. They work in various settings, including group homes, schools, clinics, and private residences, assisting patients with daily living activities, medical treatments, and emotional support. Their role includes assessing health needs, administering medications, coordinating care plans, and educating families and caregivers about managing disabilities. DDNs advocate for their patients' well-being, promoting independence and improving their quality of life. This nursing specialty requires patience, compassion, and strong communication skills to address the unique challenges of each individual.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Developmental Disability Nurse position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Nurse, you need specialized nursing knowledge in developmental disabilities, state licensure (RN or LPN), and experience in individualized care planning. Familiarity with assistive communication devices, documentation using electronic health records (EHRs), and protocols for behavioral or crisis intervention is often required. Compassion, patience, strong advocacy skills, and the ability to build trust quickly are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for providing effective, empathetic care and supporting individuals and families in diverse, challenging situations.

What are some common challenges faced by Developmental Disability Nurses, and how are they addressed on the job?

Developmental Disability Nurses often encounter challenges such as managing complex behavioral needs, ensuring effective communication with non-verbal patients, and adapting care plans to suit individual abilities. To address these, nurses work closely with interdisciplinary teams that may include therapists, social workers, and family members, utilizing strategies such as behavior support plans and adaptive communication tools. Ongoing training, mentorship from experienced colleagues, and access to resources like crisis intervention protocols help nurses navigate these situations successfully. The supportive teamwork and structured processes in most settings ensure both patient safety and job satisfaction for nurses in this field.

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What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability Nurse jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability Nurse job openings:
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Developmental Disability Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nurse job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Qualified Developmental Disability Professional

Qualified Developmental Disability Professional

AltaPointe Health

Daphne, AL • On-site

$13 - $15.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 hours 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

EastPointe Hospital is a private, free-standing psychiatric hospital for adults and adolescent males (ages 12 – 18) located in Daphne, Ala. EastPointe’s clinical and medical professionals assess and evaluate adults and adolescents in psychiatric crisis. Treatment focuses on stabilizing psychiatric symptoms and preventing psychiatric commitment. Adults and/or adolescents admitted to EastPointe will have exhibited life-threatening, destructive or disabling behavior or symptoms. Each patient completes a psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and receives 24-hour clinical care for the duration of their stay. The goal is for each patient to return to home or to the least restrictive level of care.


Person Centered Plan (PCP) 

  • Facilitate person centered behavioral management plan development based on individual needs, goals and desires of the person
  • In conjunction with the Nurse Educator, provides direct care staff with on-going behavioral intervention and management training to align with person centered behavior management plans
  • Review effectiveness of the person's person centered behavioral management plan and individual supports and services in place for behavioral improvement
  • Is accountable for all requirements that ensure provision of the person's supports and services
  • Report and monitor the person's accidents, injuries, behavior incidents and health concerns
  • Is the contact person for the person, parent, guardian and authorized representatives regarding issues with the person

Administrative Duties

  • Complete and disseminate, as appropriate, all documents, including diagnostics and evaluations related to the person centered plans and supports/services requirements and recommendations
  • Complete and disseminate, as appropriate, all funding source document requirements
  • Maintain accountability related to provision of all habilitation requirements
  • Coordinate provision of the person's supports and services with appropriate staff
  • Complete all requirements within specified timelines

Supervision and Consultation

  • Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
  • Regularly staffs concerns regarding the person with supervisor
  • Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
  • Actively works to enhance skills

Clinical Record Keeping

  • Documents appropriate, complete, and comprehensive assessments
  • Documents support meeting notes for persons on caseload
  • Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals
  • Documents in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policy and program procedures

Case Load Management

  • Effectively manages caseload based on the person's needs
  • Responds in a timely manner to crisis situations
  • Makes face to face contact with persons on caseload

Courteous and respectful towards consumers, visitors and co-workers

  • Treats persons with care, dignity, and compassion
  • Respects person’s privacy and confidentiality
  • Is pleasant and cooperative with others
  • Assists persons and visitors as needed
  • Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
  • Is sensitive to the person’s needs, expectations, and individual differences
  • Is gentle and calm with persons and families

Other Related Duties as Assigned

  • Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
  • Actively participates in Alta Pointe committees as required
  • Attends required in-service training and other workshops

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 and be at least age 23 

Effectively demonstrates the application of adult specific competencies as outlined below, to be attained within (6) six months of employment.

  • Knowledge of governmental regulations and standards pertaining to services for persons with developmental disabilities.
  • Knowledge of intellectual disabilities.
  • Knowledge of available community resources
  • Knowledge of cultural diversity
  • 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 educational methods appropriate to adults with intellectual disabilities.
  • Knowledge of Alabama’s Nurse Delegation Program (NDP)
  • Knowledge of all applicable community mental health program standards (DMH, JC, Medicaid)
  • Successful completion of Defensive Driving
  • Successful completion of MAC certification
  • Knowledge of the growth and development of consumers related to intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects.
  • Knowledge of basic sign language.
  • Knowledge of basic data collection.
  • Knowledge of Person Center Planning, natural supports, and the philosophy of self-determination.
  • Knowledge of Rights of persons served and the complaint/grievance process.
  • Knowledge of Incident reporting—TherAp and RL-6.

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