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Developmental Disability Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Developmental Disability information

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$34.3K

$51.8K

$82.3K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Minnesota is $51,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,100.00 and $54,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota? For Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Developmental Disability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 9% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 24% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,798 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Special Education Paraprofessional - Developmental Cognitive Disability (DCD)

Spring Lake Park School District 16

Minneapolis, MN

$20.75 - $24.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

About Spring Lake Park Schools: 
Welcome to Spring Lake Park Schools! We are a vibrant school community serving about 6,200 students from the suburbs of Blaine, Fridley and Spring Lake Park, in the northern Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Our district purpose -- "High expectations, high achievement for all. No excuses" provides our focus to meet the unique and varied needs of each student. 
Spring Lake Park Schools is recognized for our commitment to personalized learning, creating a culture of innovation and creativity through human-centered design thinking. We are working to create a system a culture with a methodology and set of processes where teachers and staff have the freedom, flexibility and invitation to design new ways of learning centered around deepening student engagement to continuously improve student success.
Position Overview: 
This position is a Special Education Paraprofessional at Spring Lake Park High School, helping to support students with Developmental Cognitive Disorders in grades 9-12. 
Primary Responsibilities: 
Duties of this job include, but are not limited to...











  • under the supervision of a Special Education teacher, implementing behaviors plans customized and personalized for students to reinforce preferred behavior;
  • performing general data collection tasks for the purpose of progress monitoring student success;
  • having the ability and passion to work with students with emotional/behavior issues is essential;
  • working comfortably with students in individual, small group, and large group environments, in both general and special education settings;
  • working effectively with an interdisciplinary team, while having the ability to work independently;
  • working with school staff to provide behavior support to students in collaboration with teachers; and
  • participating in, and providing information for, team meetings related to student success and next actions.


Qualifications:
Necessary qualifications include...
 



  • completed 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits, and/or AA degree in the area of Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, Behavioral Sciences; or area related to position assignment, or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate. The ParaPro Assessment is available in the Human Resources Office; please contact us with questions at 763-600-5010;
  • Ability to pass pre-work physical and PCA training
  • training and experience in the use of computers and other technology equipment;
  • ability to act in a leadership role and independently initiate and follow through on tasks, under minimal supervision; and
  • demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in working with students, families, and community representatives, and in collaborating with school personnel.

Working Conditions: 
There are physical demands to this position, including...

  • ability to lift 40 pounds;
  • frequent bending and/or twisting; and
  • possibly physically restraining students

Reasonable accommodations may be made to help individuals with disabilities perform the essential functions listed above.
Salary:

Group Paraprofessionals Position Paraprofessional Rate of Pay $20.75-$24.20/hr Benefits Sick Leave, 403(b), medical, dental, life, LTD.  Other Additional $0.75/hr differential if employee hold's a bachelor's degree

 
How to Apply: 
Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified candidates will be interviewed until the position is filled.  Individuals who wish to be considered for this position must apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/district16/onlineapp/default.aspx.  Only qualified and appropriately licensed individuals will be considered for an interview. 
With inquiries, please contact Cyndi Steinke, Management Assistant - Student Services and Special Education, at cstein@district16.org or 763-600-5081.
Spring Lake Park Schools is an equal opportunity employer and will not deny anyone the opportunity for employment because of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, age, sexual preference, disability, or status with regard to public assistance.








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