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Developmental Disability Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hope Services is Silicon Valley's leading provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We seek candidates who share our inspirations & aspirations.

Developmental Specialist

San Jose, CA

$78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hope Services is Silicon Valley's leading provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We seek candidates who share our inspirations & aspirations.

Developmental Specialist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Hope Services is Silicon Valley's leading provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. We seek candidates who share our inspirations & aspirations.

Showing results 21-40

Developmental Disability information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$52.2K

$82.9K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in California is $52,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,400.00 and $54,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

What are the different types of developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that cause lifelong impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. Common types include autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. These disabilities often require specialized support and intervention throughout a person's life.

What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability jobs in California?

The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs?

Cities in California with the most Developmental Disability job openings:

Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 12% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

$30.50 - $33.48/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 17 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Disability Payment Coordinator assists in the administration of disability benefit payments by coordinating with internal and external partners to ensure the accurate calculation and timely issuance of benefits, including Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and USC's Paid Parental Leave (FPPL). The Coordinator also supports the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of policies and procedures to ensure compliance, operational efficiency, and effective program administration.

Please note that this is currently a temporary opportunity with the potential to become a full-time role.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Assists in the administration of disability payments. Coordinates with internal and external organizations for the calculation and issuance of disability benefit payments for short term disability, long term disability, paid family leave and faculty paid parental leave.

  • Liaises with University Payroll Services, Benefits Office, Employment Development Department (EDD), Human Resources Service Center and the third-party administrator for employees going on disability or returning to work from disability to ensure payments and benefits are up-to-date. Coordinates on-cycle and off-cycle disability payments for monthly and biweekly employees.

  • Collaborates with campus partners to facilitate USC's Paid Parental Leave Program for faculty and staff. Communicates eligibility requirements to verify accuracy and completion of forms, and coordinates benefit payments.

  • Facilitates the auditing of disability payments. Makes any necessary corrections via Workday or third-party administrator to maintain accuracy by processing adjustments such as overpayments and late payments.

  • Provides training to co-workers regarding auditing, calculating and processing disability benefits in Workday. Partners with the third-party administrator to ensure the University complies with state-mandated rules and regulations. Updates and implements processes that ensure continued efficiencies and added services to the university.

  • Investigates and resolves disability matters through considerable research, collection of data and review of options. Establishes and verifies history of payments, eligibility of benefits and course of action to resolve disability issues/matters.

  • Review and provides input on relevant policies and procedures.

  • Advises and provides consultative services to employees and Human Resources Partners on policies and procedures, including appropriate plan interpretation and administration of disability benefits.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 3 years of working experience.

  • Demonstrated experience in disability and payroll.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree and 2 years of working experience.

  • Directly related disability claims experience.

  • Knowledge of and ability to interpret regulations and policies and procedures.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Background in disability management.

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.50 - $33.48. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's degree
Additional Education Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
2 years
Addtional Experience Requirements
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills:
Directly related disability experience.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret regulations and policies and procedures.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Background in disability management.
Preferred Experience:
3 years
Preferred Skills:
Demonstrated experience in disability and payroll.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$150990.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880