ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Developmental Disability Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse Relief

Houston, TX

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX · On-site

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Staff Nurse

Houston, TX

As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and ...

The Harris Center

Psychiatric Technician

Houston, TX

Collaborating with licensed nursing personnel and clinical treatment teams, you will provide direct care services to individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities, creating a safe and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopmental Disability JobsDevelopmental Disability Jobs in Texas

Developmental Disability information

See Texas salary details

$32.6K

$49.3K

$78.3K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Texas is $49,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $51,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to work with people with developmental disabilities?

Developmental disability professionals support individuals by promoting independence, implementing individualized plans, and using effective communication techniques. They often work in settings such as residential facilities, schools, or community programs, and may require training in behavior management and certifications like CPR or first aid. Building patience, empathy, and understanding of each person's unique needs is essential for effective support.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

High-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, commercial pilots, and skilled trades like electricians or plumbers with experience. These positions often require specialized skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and income can vary based on performance and location.

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 jobs can sped people get?

Individuals with developmental disabilities can work in various roles such as retail associates, food service workers, office assistants, or custodial staff. Many employers offer accommodations and support, and vocational training or certifications can help improve job prospects in different industries.

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 are the five developmental disabilities?

Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions that begin in childhood and affect physical, learning, language, or behavior skills. The five most common developmental disabilities are autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions often require specialized support and intervention from professionals in various settings.
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Texas? For Developmental Disability jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Developmental Disability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Texas as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $49,272 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Staff Nurse

Staff Nurse

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD as a Staff Nurse, RN and unleash your innovative spirit! As part of our interdisciplinary team, you'll provide nursing care to individuals with mental and developmental disabilities in various settings. Embrace creativity, utilize the nursing process, and contribute to transforming care within the standards of practice. The nursing process to plan, implement, document and evaluate nursing care provided under the requirements of the Texas Nurse Practice Act within the Standards of Nursing Practice Join us in pioneering a new era of nursing at The Harris Center.
Your Role in Action:
  • Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
  • Utilizes a five-step systematic process (nursing process) to deliver consumer services. This process includes assessment, analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
  • Demonstrates decision making that is clinically sound, systematic, timely, well researched and reflects awareness of impact and governed by state and Agency practices .
  • Performs technical nursing skills within the scope of practice for a RN and in accordance with Agency policies and procedures for individual and/or multiple consumer assignments. Performs diagnostic tests, administers medications, sets up equipment and applies therapeutic treatments.
  • Documents relevant information regarding nursing care in consumer records, charts and reports. Documents observations of consumer signs, symptoms, test results, behaviors and response to medications and treatments. Complies with established Agency policies/procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.
  • Informs, explains and educates consumers and family members regarding medications, relevant treatment information, and disease processes. Provides pertinent health information at an appropriate level and includes meaningful literature to support understanding.
  • Provides nursing care with the focus on consumer, environmental, and technical safety.
  • Assigns specific tasks, activities and functions and maintains appropriate supervision of other RNs, LVN's and unlicensed personnel in Agency settings for consumers with a variety of health care needs in accordance with program design and structure.
  • Demonstrates behaviors that promote development of positive outcomes in relation to the practice of professional nursing.
  • Utilizes a problem-solving approach as the basis for decision making in practice, including reporting relevant information to other members of the health care team or supervising Registered Nurse/Physician.
  • Provides to other members of the health care team, health education and information on disease processes and medications in order to meet/address consumer health care needs.
  • Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
  • Complies with Agency policies and procedures.

What qualifications you will need:
Education:
  • Associate's degree Nurse (ADN) from two-year College
  • Nursing Degree required. RN license required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) from four-year College or university

Experience:
  • Minimum 1 year at entry level to 2 years nursing experience (not including clinical hours required for education). For RNs with at least 2 years of experience, a minimum of at least 1 year of mental health/behavioral health/intellectual/disability nursing experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities :
  • Knowledge of Texas Board of Nurse Examiners Nurse Practice Act and Standards of Nursing Practice.
  • Knowledge of applicable pharmacy rules and regulations.
  • Basic knowledge of Pharmacology.
  • Knowledge of therapeutic communication.
  • Understanding of Standard Precautions and infection control procedures for dealing with sharp instruments, needles, blood and body fluids exposure.
  • Understanding of good body mechanics to avoid injury.
  • Effective communication skills (verbal and written). Effective data collection skills.
  • Positive interpersonal skills.
  • Good organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.
  • Demonstrates initiative and self-direction.
  • Able to coordinate well with others and work effectively as a team member.
  • Able to use all related medical equipment, machines and monitors.
  • Able to execute standard word processing on computer. Demonstrates strong time management skills.
  • Able to complete task and assignments independently.
  • Able to establish therapeutic relationships with chronically mentally ill patients and/or developmentally disabled consumers.
  • Demonstrates clinically sound decision making.

About us:
The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
What else you should know:
  • Position #2053-85019
  • Your workplace: Based at 5901 Long Drive
  • Your flexibility, our commitment: This role requires adaptability with flexible scheduling as well as provides ethical nursing care in a confidential, caring, non-judgmental, non-discriminatory manner.
  • The environment: Be prepared to navigate challenging situations - you may occasionally encounter unfavorable conditions.
  • Your interactions: Engage with a diverse range of individuals, some of whom may be emotional, physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative. This is an opportunity to employ your strong interpersonal skills and patience to make a real impact in their lives.

What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply