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Developmental Disability Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

MI

$14.25 - $19/hr

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

Community Living Support - Floater

West Branch, MI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Persons with Lived Experience with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities or substance abuse disorders are encouraged to apply. Requirements: * Possession of a driver's license valid ...

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Developmental Disability information

See Michigan salary details

$30.5K

$46.1K

$73.2K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Michigan is $46,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $48,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Assistant Director Center Disability Services

Assistant Director Center Disability Services

Western Michigan University

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
College Of Health & Human Svcs
Executive Area
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
Department
Center For Disability Services
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1626P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
H
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
1
General Summary
Provides leadership for daily operations across programs serving individuals with age-related decline, dementia, intellectual and development disabilities. Supports strategic planning, ensures regulatory compliance, and leads quality improvement efforts. Collaborates with University partners, families, and community agencies to enhance services and advance the Center for Disability Services mission, while promoting recovery-based, person-centered care delivered with cultural sensitivity and respect for each individual.
Major Duties
  • Provides leadership and directs the Center for Disability Services.
  • Provides clinical leadership programs for adults with disabilities and age-related decline. Maintains evidence-based practices and knowledge of current trends in the field.
  • Monitors operations to ensure quality outcomes for clients and an educational environment for university students.
  • Collaborates with CHHS leadership and advisory board to communicate operational and financial issues that impact the Center for Disability Services.
  • Collaborates with external constituencies on business and general outreach.
  • Oversees budget, contract billing, and fiscal integrity to maintain financial solvency.
  • Manages and monitors all contracts.
  • Maintains internal and external relationships to ensure the success of the department's mission.
  • Provides supervision for the Center's program including strategic leadership, develops short term and long-term goals.
  • Hires, Trains and evaluates staff.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution
  • Three years' relevant experience.
  • Experience in program evaluation, assessment, and data informed decision making, including the ability to analyze data to improve services and report on impact.
  • Management or supervisory experience to develop, implement, evaluate, and lead diverse professional staff.
  • Knowledge of assistive technologies and their application in an educational setting.
  • Experience with budget development and fiscal oversight.
  • Demonstrated experience in implementing institutional policies and procedures in compliance with legal mandates and best practices.
  • Strong analytical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills for complex situations involving student rights and institutional obligations.
  • Experience developing and delivering training and workshops for students, faculty, and staff that advance a shared commitment to access, equity, and inclusion.
  • Experience in managing diverse range of client services including cognitively impaired persons as well as aging clients
  • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours. Including evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
  • External applicants should use the WMU - Application.
  • Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information
  • Terminal appointment ends 12/31/2026 with the potential of being extended.
  • Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff

Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.
  • Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.

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