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Developmental Disability Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We invest in our staff through strong professional development and a collaborative network ... Experience evaluating students with a variety of disabilities including ASD, SLD, EI, CI, VI, HI ...

YAI has an opening for a Social Worker in the Hankering For More Socialization Program. Some ... YAI is a network of agencies offering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a ...

Participate in the development of a written, interdisciplinary plan of care for each resident that ... aging and disability. * Educate staff regarding cultural diversity and each staff member ...

Social Worker

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$70K/yr

Enjoy being part of a valued team where personal advancement and the development of skills are ... age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by ...

SOCIAL WORKER

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

... Disability · Retirement Plan with employer match · Flexible Spending Accounts · Employee ... EMR experience preferred Hospice Social Worker Duties Include: · Assist with development updates ...

... ensure that assessments and care plans are developed in a timely and meaningful manner ... Clinical social work experience working with residents with disabilities (TBI, Behavioral Health ...

SOCIAL WORKER

Encino, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

EMR experience preferred Hospice Social Worker Duties Include: Assist with development updates in ... EEO, M/F/Protected Veterans/Individual with Disability

... development opportunities and continuing education support. - Meaningful work in a supportive and caring environment dedicated to improving the lives of our residents. Now Hiring: Social Worker

The School Social Worker brings to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they ...

Located in Lakewood, NJ, Lehmann School serves students with multiple disabilities, offering a ... Responsibilities include case management, participation in intake and assessment, IEP development ...

Social Worker

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$65K - $67K/yr

... disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs). PROGRAM STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT * Develop and ... LMSW, LCSW, SIFI certification required or eligibility to obtain certification. * Minimum of 3 ...

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Developmental Disability Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do developmental disability social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid type of social worker?

Among social workers, clinical social workers with advanced licenses and specialization in areas like healthcare, mental health, or child welfare tend to have the highest salaries. Developmental disability social workers generally earn moderate wages, but those with additional certifications or supervisory roles can earn more. Overall, roles requiring advanced clinical skills and licensure typically command higher pay in the social work field.

How to work with people with developmental disabilities?

A developmental disability social worker supports individuals by assessing their needs, developing personalized care plans, and providing resources to promote independence. Effective communication, patience, and understanding of behavioral strategies are essential skills in this role, along with relevant certifications such as the Certified Developmental Disabilities Professional (CDDP).

What is the most common developmental disability?

The most common developmental disability is intellectual disability, which affects cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior. Developmental social workers often assist individuals with these disabilities in accessing services and support systems.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Developmental Disability Social Workers typically earn salaries below $200,000, with most earning between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Achieving a higher salary may require advanced certifications, specialized skills, management roles, or working in high-cost areas, but reaching $200,000 is uncommon in this field.

What does a Developmental Disability Social Worker do?

A Developmental Disability Social Worker assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families by providing support, advocacy, and resources. They help clients access community services, coordinate care plans, and navigate educational and healthcare systems. Their goal is to improve the clients' quality of life, promote independence, and ensure that their rights are protected. Social workers in this field often collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and other agencies to offer comprehensive care.

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

To thrive as a Developmental Disability Social Worker, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree in social work, state licensure, and a solid understanding of developmental disabilities and support services. Familiarity with case management software, Medicaid waiver programs, and assessment tools is important for effectively coordinating care. Outstanding communication, advocacy, and empathy are essential soft skills for building trust with clients and collaborating with families and interdisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure individualized, effective support that enhances quality of life and access to resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.

What are some common challenges Developmental Disability Social Workers face when coordinating care for clients?

Developmental Disability Social Workers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex service systems, advocating for individualized support plans, and ensuring effective communication among multidisciplinary teams. Balancing the unique needs and preferences of clients with available resources can be demanding, especially when services are limited or eligibility requirements are strict. Building trust with clients and their families, while also managing administrative tasks and documentation, requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Developmental Disability Social Worker vs Case Manager?

AspectDevelopmental Disability Social WorkerCase Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure often requiredVaries; often requires a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agencies, schoolsCommunity agencies, healthcare facilities, social service organizations
Primary FocusProviding counseling, advocacy, and support for individuals with developmental disabilitiesCoordinating services, managing cases, and ensuring client needs are met

Developmental Disability Social Workers and Case Managers both support individuals with disabilities, but social workers focus more on counseling and advocacy, while case managers coordinate services and resources. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in community or healthcare settings.

More about Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability Social Worker job openings:
What states have the most Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability Social Worker jobs are:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability Social Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 19% Full Time, 78% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Social Worker

Social Worker

Oakland Schools

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide school social work services including identification of needs, diagnostic processes, interpretation and recommendations, consultation, treatment, and professional growth and development.

  • Administer assessments, conduct interviews and observations, and complete comprehensive evaluations of students referred for suspected disabilities.

  • Formulate and implement functional behavior assessments and behavior plans in collaboration with parents, school personnel, students, and other professionals and agencies.


Job description

Position Type:
Certified Student Support Services/Social Worker
Date Posted:
11/11/2025
Location:
Avondale Schools Administrative Offices
District:
Avondale School District
AVONDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Join the Avondale Team!
At Avondale, we're more than a school district-we're a supportive community dedicated to personal growth, resilience, and discovery. We invest in our staff through strong professional development and a collaborative network, empowering educators to create exceptional, individualized learning experiences where every student matters and every story counts. Learn more about us at www.avondaleschools.org.
POSITION OPENING:
Social Worker
IN THIS ROLE: Join a passionate team where innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning thrive. As a Social Worker, you'll engage curious, energetic learners during a pivotal stage in their growth-helping them build strong foundations while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and confidence. With robust professional development, a supportive community, and the freedom to bring lessons to life in meaningful ways, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on students and shape their journey toward success.
WHAT WE NEED:
1. Possess a Master's Degree in Social Work.
2. Possess a valid Social Worker certificate.
3. Possess full or temporary approval as a School Social Worker.
4. Ability to assess student needs by the appropriate use of agency and school records through interviews of school personnel, family members, and community sources, and by observation of students.
5. Ability to clearly interpret the results of diagnostic procedures to parents, schools, and relevant others and to establish follow-up procedures for monitoring student progress.
6. Assist in developing and establishing programs for children based on the results of diagnostic procedures.
7. Understand and apply the concepts of child learning and development in any diagnostic, treatment, or interpretive situation.
8. Possess a working knowledge of the special developmental and learning needs of handicapped children.
9. Communicate diagnostic data and intervention strategies in writing and orally to relevant individuals.
10. Possess applicable working knowledge of casework and/or group work treatment procedures with children.
11. Must have a working knowledge of special education law.
12. Experience evaluating students with a variety of disabilities including ASD, SLD, EI, CI, VI, HI, PI, OHI, SLI, and ADHD.
13. Flexibility and willingness to attend training.
14. Excellent communication skills
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  1. *Provide school social work services which include identification of needs diagnostic process, interpretation and recommendation, consultation, treatment, and professional growth and development.
  2. *Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of the job.
  3. Work with students as part of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) process.
  4. *Administer appropriate tests and assessment batteries, conduct interviews, and observations, and consider information from all pertinent sources in conducting comprehensive evaluations of students who have been referred as having suspected disabilities under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  5. *Formulate and implement functional behavior assessment and behavior plans with parents, school personnel, students, and other professionals and agencies; establish procedures for follow-up and monitoring of cases as well as maintaining regular communication with building principals concerning individual cases.
  6. *Supply direct service to students and families. Indirect services such as consultation, coordination of services within the school, development of programs within and outside of school, and making referrals to agencies and follow-up are examples of indirect services that may be supplied by the school social worker.
  7. *Complete comprehensive written reports and records on students in a clear and meaningful manner.
  8. Serve as a member of Child Study Process, Child Screening Committees, and/or similar groups to screen and assess students experiencing school-related problems and to improve existing school programs and procedures in meeting the educational needs of students.
  9. *Serve as a liaison between the school, home, and community in building and maintaining positive relationships.
  10. *Record and submit all data relevant to the School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement program.
  11. *Serve as a member of evaluation teams, Individual Planning and Placement Team meetings (IEPTs) Manifestation IEP meetings.
  12. *Attendance to the job is required.
  13. *Lifting above the head and bending required.
*Other duties as assigned.
WORK LOCATION: AVONDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT- EXACT LOCATION IS TO BE DETERMINED
SALARY DETAILS: Per Master Agreement
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Per Master Agreement
EVALUATION: Per Master Agreement
View Avondale Contract Agreements (Current Bargaining Agreements)
WHY WORK FOR AVONDALE?
In addition to collaborating with passionate educators on meaningful initiatives, joining Avondale means you'll also enjoy these outstanding benefits:

Oakland Schools logo

About Oakland Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oakland Schools is a regional service agency that offers support services to school personnel that are best delivered regionally and provide cost, size and quality advantages to those we serve. Oakland Schools is an autonomous, tax-supported public school district governed by Michigan General School Laws and is one of 56 intermediate school districts (ISDs) established in Michigan in 1962.

Industry

Elementary and secondary schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Waterford, MI, US

Year founded

1962