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Developmental Disability Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

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Direct Service Worker (DSW)

Hammond, LA ยท On-site

$9 - $13/hr

This position directly supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position helps with everyday tasks such as ADLs. These include daily grooming, meal preparations ...

Be Seen First

Direct Service Worker (DSW)

Hammond, LA ยท On-site

$9 - $13/hr

This position directly supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position helps with everyday tasks such as ADLs. These include daily grooming, meal preparations ...

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Developmental Disability information

See Louisiana salary details

$29.9K

$45.2K

$71.8K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Louisiana is $45,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $47,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Louisiana look for?

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

Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,225 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Disability Counselor Coordinator

Grambling State University

Grambling, LA โ€ข On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary : $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 Annually
Location : Grambling
Job Type: Full-Time Unclassified
Job Number: 202200352
Division: Student Affairs
Department: Student Services- Student Counseling Center
Opening Date: 10/10/2025
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 11:59 PM Central
Job Summary
The Disability Counselor provides direct clinical counseling services to GSU students, consultations with GSU students, staff and faculty, and outreach programming to the GSU campus community. The DC also assists in training of interns and counselors at Student Counseling Services. Assesses, diagnose and counsels individuals, as well as redirect relational issues. Develops and implement individualized treatment plans addressing individual, decision-making, relational problems. Facilitates and lead group and educate in sessions. Manages students' files and maintain documentation.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Coordinates the university program of service for students with disabilities
  • Responds to requests for general information from enrolled students, and program information from potential students and parents
  • Responds to requests for interpretation of legal mandates on campus-specific issues related to ADA
  • Conducts intake interviews with students and determines the need for evaluation and referral
  • Counsels students and refers to appropriate support services as is relates to disabilities
  • Provides on-going counseling related to disability management
  • Reviews disability documentation for students with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities
  • Determines appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities by conducting intake interviews and analyzing medical, and/or psychological documentation
  • Assists students to access other available resources by maintaining liaisons with agencies if needed and referring students to appropriate local, state and federal entities which serve students with disabilities
  • Coordinates training for faculty/staff on campus
  • Assists faculty/staff with conflict and/or compliance issues
  • Develops and implements programs and presentations for students with disabilities
  • Provide individual, conjoint, or group counseling in the therapeutic process for GSU students; perform psychotherapy.
  • Provide consultation and research on psychological, social, environmental, and organizational issues to faculty and staff regarding the psychological needs of GSU students; assist in the development and evaluation of services.
  • Provide emergency psychological services during non-office hours
  • Participate in program planning
  • Other duties as assigned

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintain client files and documentation; maintain correspondence and compile information; prepare reports as assigned.
  • Assess students' mental stability, refer to other agencies, and assist in research; prepare documents for the institution and professional journals.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities and in-service training.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Graduate degree in counseling and/or related field
  • Licensure as a LMFT, LPC, and/or LCSW in the state of Louisiana or Louisiana-licensure eligible (License Intern)
  • Minimum of two (2) years experience working in a mental health setting required. (Candidate also may be eligible if he or she is a counselor intern).

Supplemental Information
Applications without the following will not be considered complete.
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Transcript(s) if applicable
  • Curriculum Vitae if applicable

***First review of applications will begin October 24, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. ***
State As a Model Employer
We offer a complete benefits package to eligible employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, short- term disablity, holidays, annual, and sick leave.
01
Do you possess a graduate degree in counseling and/or related field?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you licensed as a LMFT, LPC, and/or LCSW in the state of Louisiana or Louisiana-licensure eligible (License Intern)?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have a minimum of two (2) years experience working in a mental health setting? (Experience as a counselor intern may count)
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question