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Developmental Disability Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$21.25 - $27.50/hr

... developmental disability. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency ... Assesses needs to determine the appropriateness for intellectual disability services and develops ...

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Developmental Disability information

See Virginia salary details

$34.7K

$52.4K

$83.3K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Virginia is $52,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $55,000.00 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia? For Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,433 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Post-Doctoral Associate in Developmental Disabilities

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$58 - $60K/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

206th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Service at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services (SJC) is seeking applications for two full-time postdoctoral positions. The incumbent will provide psychological evaluations and associated services to individuals and families in an outpatient setting. The focus of the position is on specialized and comprehensive evaluation services to toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults presenting with concerns related to neurodevelopmental disorders. Common differential diagnoses include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, developmental delay, language disorder, intellectual disability, anxiety/mood disorders, and learning disabilities. Participation on a stepped-care interdisciplinary autism assessment team is a core part of postdoctoral training; children are referred to this team from UVA Children's Hospital providers and often present with medical complexities (i.e., genetic disorders, congenital heart disease, cerebral palsy, seizures).
Postdoctoral Associates in this clinic work collaboratively with providers and trainees from other disciplines, including psychology, speech-language pathology, developmental pediatrics, and family navigation. They take part in all aspects of evaluation, including diagnostic interviews, planning test batteries, test administration and interpretation, providing feedback to parents, report writing, and follow-up. Experience with comprehensive assessment (i.e., cognitive, achievement, social/behavioral, adaptive) and gold standard autism diagnostic tools (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) is preferred.
Although Postdoctoral Associates' primary responsibilities include supervised and interdisciplinary evaluations, working towards professional autonomy/expertise, they may also engage in outpatient, evidence-based intervention with children, adolescents, or young adults with autism/developmental disability. The SJC provides parent training interventions for challenging behavior in the context of developmental disabilities (e.g., sleep problems, toileting problems, mild behavioral feeding problems, and adaptive skill deficits), parent training for building social communication skills in toddlers with autism, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for co-occurring anxiety spectrum problems, as well as emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning interventions. Evidence-based group interventions address social skills in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Postdoctoral Associates participate in the Blue Ridge Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program , which provides interdisciplinary training for future leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. Opportunities also exist to take part in clinical research, program development, and community outreach.
Minimum Requirements
Education: Doctoral degree
Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctorate in clinical or school psychology from an APA accredited program.
  • Completion of an APA accredited internship.
  • Licensed or license eligible.
  • One-year or equivalent experience delivering psychological evaluations in a supervised setting.
  • Experience in diagnosis and evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Physical Demands: This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.
Salary Range: $58-$60,000 commensurate with candidate's experience.
Exemption Status: This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA Benefits .
Term Limits: This is a 1-year position with an option to be a 2-year position; the second year is contingent upon performance in the role and the continued need for the role.
Work Arrangement: This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.
About UVA and the Community: To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .
Application Timeline: Application review will begin after October 23rd
Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
Visa Sponsorship: This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.
How to Apply: Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0076969. Complete an application with the following documents:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover Letter, commenting on research/professional interests
  • Contact information for three references (name, title, relationship, email address, and telephone number)

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Review of applications will begin immediately, and the posting will stay open until filed. Selected Post Docs must have their completed PhD and be able to begin work by mid to late summer 2026.
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
Reference Check Process: Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.
Department Contact: For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Peter Tuerk , Director of the SJC and Professor of Education, and Dr. Erica Rouch, ASD Service Lead and Assistant Professor of Education.
Recruiter Contact: For questions about the application process, please contact Margaret Weeks .
UVA's Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services at the School of Education and Human Development provides effective transdisciplinary clinical services for individuals of all ages, incorporating the expertise of licensed professionals and faculty with graduate training programs that span a broad range of clinical specialties, including clinical psychology, autism-services, speech and language pathology, audiology, and reading. Our Mission statement:
  • To implement high-quality multidisciplinary programing that furthers state-of-the-science clinical services, training, and research related to child, family, community, and school-based mental health, communication, and educational needs.
  • To serve the Commonwealth through the provision of evidence-based interventions and assessments, and to provide a vibrant, welcoming, and safe clinical environment for students to learn and serve in.

Job Profile
J0267 - Research Associate - 12 Month
Career Stream and Level
No Career Stream-No Level
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

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The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819