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Developmental Disability Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Developmental Disability information

See Athens, GA salary details

$33.8K

$51.1K

$81.1K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Athens, GA is $51,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $53,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Athens, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Athens, GA 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 $51,067 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Developmental Disabilities Professional

All Ways Caring HomeCare

Athens, GA โ€ข On-site

$45K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Developmental Disabilities Professional
Job Locations US-GA-ATHENS
Requisition ID 2026-194290 Line of Business: All Ways Caring HomeCare Pay Min USD $42,000.00/Yr. Pay Max USD $45,000.00/Yr.
Our Company

All Ways Caring HomeCare

Overview

The Developmental Disabilities Professional (DDP) provides clinical, programmatic, and quality oversight for services delivered to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This position ensures services are person-centered, compliant with DBHDD and waiver requirements, and aligned with each individual's Individual Support Plan (ISP). The DDP serves as a subject matter expert to agency leadership and direct support staff by providing guidance, training, risk assessment, quality improvement support, and service oversight. The position requires regular interaction with participants, staff, interdisciplinary teams, and external stakeholders to promote positive outcomes and ensure health, safety, and quality of care.

This is a hybrid position, candidate must be ok working from home and traveling within the region.

External Job Description
    Provide oversight and consultation for services and supports delivered to individuals receiving waiver-funded services.
  • Ensure services are delivered in accordance with DBHDD requirements, agency policies, and person-centered practices.
  • Participate in quality improvement and risk management activities to evaluate service effectiveness and identify opportunities for enhancement.
  • Assess participant, programmatic, and organizational risks and recommend strategies to improve health, safety, and service quality.
  • Participate in the development, review, and implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and related service strategies.
  • Schedule, facilitate, and actively participate in pre-ISP meetings and interdisciplinary planning discussions.
  • Monitor participant progress toward established goals and recommend modifications to services or supports as needed.
  • Review assessments and evaluations, including health, behavioral, functional, and therapeutic assessments, to support service planning and delivery.
  • Oversee the implementation and effectiveness of behavior support plans, crisis plans, and other high-intensity support services, when applicable.
  • Identify participants requiring additional medical, behavioral, therapeutic, or social supports and make recommendations accordingly.
  • Provide training, coaching, and technical guidance to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and agency staff regarding person-centered service delivery and implementation of ISP goals.
  • Develop, coordinate, or oversee staff training programs related to participant support needs, agency requirements, and regulatory standards.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of participant contacts, consultations, assessments, meetings, and service oversight activities
  • Support corrective action planning and provide technical assistance related to regulatory reviews, audits, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with participants, families, guardians, providers, clinicians, community partners, and agency leadership to ensure coordinated service delivery.
  • Complete all required training, certifications, and continuing education requirements established by DBHDD and the organization.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Special Education, Nursing, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered where permitted by DBHDD requirements.
  • Minimum five (5) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), behavioral health, or related human services populations preferred.
  • Must meet all DBHDD requirements to serve as a Developmental Disabilities Professional (DDP).
  • Valid Driver's License.
  • Must complete and maintain all DBHDD-required DDP registrations and certifications.
  • Complete required first-year DDP training, including Person-Centered Individual Service Planning, Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) Overview, and Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) training.
  • Complete a minimum of eight (8) hours of annual developmental disability-specific continuing education as required by DBHDD.
  • Complete all additional annual training requirements established by the organization and regulatory agencies.
  • Demonstrates sound decision-making based on available information and applies appropriate judgment within the role.
  • Manages and prioritizes multiple tasks and communication channels while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Communicates clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats.
  • Collaborates effectively with employees and individuals across all departments and levels; builds positive working relationships while maintaining a flexible leadership and communication style as needed.
  • Adapts to changing priorities, processes, or environments and learns new tasks as needed.
  • Works effectively with minimal supervision and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.
  • Maintains professional conduct during routine and challenging interactions.
  • Performs well in high-pressure situations and environments and manages reports appropriately and effectively in such situations and environments.
  • Responds constructively to conflict, customer concerns, or high-pressure interactions using appropriate job-specific techniques.
  • Working knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations concerning services to individuals with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities.
  • Travel within the assigned service area to conduct participant visits, staff consultations, assessments, and quality reviews.
About our Line of Business

All Ways Caring HomeCaredelivers quality, compassionate, and individualized care and support that helps people in need of assistance stay at home - all while maximizing their dignity, privacy, and independence. Whether recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disability, or dealing with the natural process of aging, services are tailored to meet the individual needs of people of all ages, physical conditions, and cognitive abilities. All Ways Caring HomeCare services include personal care and homemaking programs, professional nursing, older adult care management, Alzheimer's/dementia care, respite care, and other programs. For more information, please visit www.allwayscaring.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Salary Range
USD $42,000.00 - $45,000.00 / Year