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Developmental Disability Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin

CivicMinds, Inc

Registered Nurse (RN) Location: Springfield, VT Key Responsibilities * Deliver quality medical ... developmental disabilities (IDD) participating in the Developmental Services (DS) program.

New

CivicMinds, Inc.

Director Of Nursing

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

What You Will Do: * Assist the development, organization and operation of ALF services for the ... Short term Disability * Long term Disability * Paid time off * Holiday Pay * Shift differential for ...

Sanford Health

Nursing Assistant Inpatient

Marshfield, WI · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

Opportunities for professional growth and development. Commitment to innovation and continuous ... Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and ...

Sauk County, WI

Director of Nursing

Reedsburg, WI · On-site

$104K - $107K/yr

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act ... Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive, person-centered care plans for all ...

Sanford Health

Nursing Assistant Inpatient

Marshfield, WI · On-site

$31K - $41K/yr

... and development. • Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. If you are a ... Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and ...

Sauk County

Director of Nursing

Baraboo, WI · On-site

$104K - $107K/yr

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act ... Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive, person-centered care plans for all ...

Skyview Nursing Center

Registered Nurse

Hurley, WI · On-site

... in staff development, evaluation and discipline when indicated. * Assign nursing care duties to ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

Skyview Nursing Center

Registered Nurse

Hurley, WI · On-site

... in staff development, evaluation and discipline when indicated. * Assign nursing care duties to ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

Skyview Nursing Center

Registered Nurse

Hurley, WI · On-site

... in staff development, evaluation and discipline when indicated. * Assign nursing care duties to ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

Skyview Nursing Center

Registered Nurse

Hurley, WI · On-site

... in staff development, evaluation and discipline when indicated. * Assign nursing care duties to ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

Skyview Nursing Center

Registered Nurse

Hurley, WI · On-site

... in staff development, evaluation and discipline when indicated. * Assign nursing care duties to ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

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All JobsDevelopmental Disability Nursing JobsDevelopmental Disability Nursing Jobs in Wisconsin

Developmental Disability Nursing information

See Wisconsin salary details

$39.4K

$91.8K

$145.3K

How much do developmental disability nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability nursing in Wisconsin is $91,785.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $104,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a developmental disability nurse?

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.

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin?

For Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Nursing jobs in Wisconsin are:

Developmental Disability Nursing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Nursing job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,785 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Intellectual Disabilities Nursing Specialist

State of Wisconsin

Union Grove, WI • On-site

$56.67 - $58.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

State Of Wisconsin rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 50 rated states

Job description

Introduction
The Department of Health Services (DHS), Southern Wisconsin Center (SWC) is recruiting for an Intellectual Disabilities Nursing Specialist (IDNS).
Current opening is 90% FTE (72 hours every 2 weeks) and will work 12-hour AM/PM shifts (0630-1900) and every other weekend.
There may occasionally be times when additional early morning, evening, and weekend hours are necessary.
This job announcement may be used to fill both full and part time vacancies on all shifts in the future
As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll also have access to an amazing benefits package , including:
  • 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time ; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
  • Top rated health plan options starting at $47/month for single plans and $117/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
  • Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
  • Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
  • A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
SWC is a state run, licensed and certified Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IDD). SWC provides a wide variety of programs and services designed to assist and prepare individuals to live successfully in the setting that best meets their needs. Located in Southeastern Wisconsin in Union Grove, SWC brings together a rich history of providing exceptional services and state of the art treatment approaches for the new millennium. Union Grove is a growing community with small town charm and easy access to Milwaukee and Chicago. Our workers love what they do. But don't take our word for it. Hear from our employees .
Position Summary
As an IDNS, you will provide direct and indirect nursing care to people with complex intellectual, behavioral and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
Your responsibilities will include:
  • Assessment, diagnosis, plan, implementation and evaluation of patients.
  • Providing consultation and leadership to unit and community staff regarding persons with complex intellectual, behavioral and/or physical disabilities.
  • Educating staff, individuals, families, students and community providers.
  • Verifying staff competencies, utilize evidence based (EBP) best practices and share expertise with members of the team.
As an IDNS, you will work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members to provide a person-centered, active treatment program, including a holistic approach to health care across the lifespan and provides direct nursing care. These positions are responsible for supervising delegated nursing cares provided by Licensed Practical Nurses and Resident Care Technicians (CNAs).
Salary Information
Starting salary* is between $56.67 and $58.25/ hour based on years of licensure.
  • *Salary includes a *1.00 /hour add-on for hours worked and performing direct care.
  • $1.40 /hour differential for 1 st shift Registered Nurses (RNs) that work hours between 6pm and 6am.
  • 12-month probationary period is required.
  • This position is classified as a Nurse Clinician 3 and is in pay schedule and range 11/01. Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction.

Job Details
All applicants who may be appointed will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by SWC or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.
This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs, bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting, and balancing. Applicants will be required to pass a physical evaluation to assess these requirements.
Appointee must be CPR certified prior to their start date.
DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.
Qualifications
Minimally qualified applicants will have all of the following:
  • Licensed or eligible to be licensed as a registered nurse in the state of Wisconsin. Eligible is defined as you currently hold licensure in another state and are eligible to obtain a license in the state of Wisconsin. Must be licensed in Wisconsin by time of the appointment.
  • Experience working as a RN performing direct care activities.
  • Experience leading, coaching, or guiding clinical staff (providing instructions, answering questions, resolving individual and group conflict, etc.).
Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:
  • Experience as a Nurse Advocate, ensuring staff compliance with policies, procedures and best practices.
  • Experience as a preceptor to nursing students and newly hired/experienced staff with duties such as coordinating learning opportunities, providing verbal and written feedback, and role modeling best practices to set the climate for learning and skill verification.
  • Experience as a Nurse Educator in the field of IDD/DD Nursing.
Your resume and letter of qualifications are each limited to 2 pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .
How To Apply
Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process Applying is easy! Click "Apply for Job" to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.
Helpful Information:
  • Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click "Save" to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
  • You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
  • Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
  • Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
  • Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
  • If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs .
  • For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions . For questions about the position or for other employment inquiries, please contact DHSSWCHumanResources@dhs.wisconsin.gov .
DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's Affairs, click here .
Deadline to Apply
The deadline to apply is September 1 st at 11:59pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am - 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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