1

Developmental Disability Nursing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Registered Nurse Case Manager

Columbia, MD ยท 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: ยท Complete initial nursing assessment ...

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX ยท On-site

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX ยท On-site

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX ยท On-site

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Developmental Disability Nursing information

See salary details

$39K

$90.9K

$144K

How much do developmental disability nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability nursing in the United States is $90,935.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do developmental disability nurses do?

Developmental disability nurses provide healthcare and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them manage medical needs, improve daily living skills, and promote independence. They often work in community settings, clinics, or residential facilities, and may coordinate with families and other healthcare professionals. Certification in nursing and specialized training in developmental disabilities are typically required.

What is the most common developmental disability?

The most common developmental disability is intellectual disability, which affects cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Developmental nurses often work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, another prevalent condition, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Early intervention and support are key components of care for these disabilities.

How to make $300,000 as a nurse?

Developmental disability nursing can reach higher salaries through advanced certifications, specialized skills, and experience in leadership or management roles. Working in high-demand areas, obtaining additional education, and pursuing overtime or agency work can also increase earning potential to reach or exceed $300,000 annually.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Nurse, you need a nursing degree, RN licensure, and specialized knowledge in caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Familiarity with assistive technologies, individualized care planning software, and certifications such as the Developmental Disabilities Nursing Certification (CDDN) are often required. Compassion, patience, strong communication, and advocacy skills help nurses build trust and support both patients and their families. These competencies are crucial for providing tailored care, promoting patient independence, and ensuring well-being in this specialized field.

How to make 150,000 as a nurse?

Developmental Disability Nursing can reach a $150,000 salary with advanced experience, specialized certifications, and working in high-paying settings such as private facilities or administrative roles. Increasing your education level, gaining expertise in complex care, and taking on leadership positions can also boost earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses working in developmental disability settings, and how can they be addressed?

Nurses in developmental disability settings often encounter challenges such as communication barriers with nonverbal patients, managing complex medical and behavioral needs, and ensuring patient safety while promoting independence. Building strong, trusting relationships with patients, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams (such as therapists and caregivers), and utilizing adaptive communication tools can help address these challenges. Ongoing training in behavioral support techniques and person-centered care is also essential for providing high-quality, compassionate care in this field.

What is developmental disability nursing?

Developmental disability nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. Nurses in this field assess health needs, develop care plans, administer medications, and help patients maximize their independence and quality of life. They also work closely with families, educators, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care. This nursing specialty requires compassion, patience, and specialized training to address the unique challenges faced by people with developmental disabilities.

What is the difference between Developmental Disability Nursing vs Pediatric Nursing?

AspectDevelopmental Disability NursingPediatric Nursing
Required CredentialsRN license, specialized training in developmental disabilitiesRN license, pediatric care certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity clinics, residential facilities, schoolsHospitals, pediatric clinics, schools
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers serving individuals with developmental disabilitiesHospitals, pediatric practices, schools
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Developmental Disability Nursing focuses on caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, often in community or residential settings, requiring specialized training. Pediatric Nursing centers on health care for children in hospitals or clinics. While both roles require RN licensure, their work environments and patient populations differ significantly.

More about Developmental Disability Nursing jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability Nursing jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability Nursing job openings:
What states have the most Developmental Disability Nursing jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disability Nursing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Nursing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Nursing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nursing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,935 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Developmental Disability Program Manager

Developmental Disability Program Manager

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri

Poplar Bluff, MO โ€ข On-site

$46K - $49K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description
Why You'll Love This Position:
We are seeking a motivated and personable Program Manager to lead and oversee an interdisciplinary team within our developmental disability program. You will play a key role in supervising, assigning, and evaluating the work of staff while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, person-centered services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Collaboration with team members, contracted providers, and community organizations is essential for ensuring effective systems and compliance with all organizational, state, and federal standards. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, initiative, and judgment in carrying out responsibilities while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. If you are passionate about making a difference and committed to empowering individuals and teams, we encourage you to apply!
What You'll Do:
  • Plans, coordinates, and supervises the work of an inter-disciplinary service coordination (case management) and/or Quality Assurance; assigns cases and evaluates the work of the service coordinator (case management) and/or Quality Assurance members.
  • As needed, manage a selected caseload of clients with intellectual disabilities/ developmental disabilities in placement or natural homes.
  • Prepares periodic reports and maintains accurate records.
  • Directs or assists in the general management of policy development, program planning, coordination, and evaluation of policies, organizational changes, and new programs.
  • Works closely with contracted providers, other managers, and team members to develop delivery systems for optimum services for individuals in the program.
  • Participates in developing budget requests; monitors expenditures according to budget allocations/appropriations; recommends and/or initiates cost-saving measures.
  • Participates in conferences, training sessions, and meetings.
  • Represents and/or serves as liaison for the assigned area of responsibility; cooperates with and addresses federal, state, local, and community organizations and other groups on the assigned programs.
  • Directs the utilization of physical facilities, equipment, furniture, and supplies.
  • Exercises considerable initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assignments; receives general administrative direction; work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of operational results.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Provides supervision by monitoring the development and implementation of person-centered (support plans) and the associate assessment program.
  • Supervises program support coordinators (case managers) as they work with the person-centered planning process (individual support plan) and assess support needs.
  • Evaluate services that are purchased and provided by Support Coordinators.
  • Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff.
  • Monitors and ensures that all staff are meeting minimum service hour standards and compliance with all Catholic Charities, state and federal regulations, and policies.

Catholic Social Teachings
Possesses a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities, including the understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and the ability to demonstrate the philosophy and values of the agency. The identity of the agency is clearly Catholic, and as such, Catholic Charities adheres to the social and moral teachings of the Catholic Church.
Requirements
All you need for success:
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or equivalent human services degree; OR
  • Registered nurse (licensed)
  • This position requires a valid driver's license, a reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree in related field.
  • Minimum two years of experience in the social service field.
  • Supervisory experience.

If you have questions about this position, please contact:
Human Resources, hr@ccsomo.org, or 417-368-0914
www.ccsomo.org/careers/
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.