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Developmental Disability Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Developmental Disability information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$34K

$51.4K

$81.7K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Atlanta, GA is $51,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $54,000.00 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 Atlanta, GA? The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Atlanta, GA? For Developmental Disability jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Atlanta, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Atlanta, GA are:
What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Developmental Disability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,433 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Developmental Disability Professional (DDP)

Annandale At Suwanee, Inc.

Suwanee, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for oversight of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and program quality in accordance with DBHDD requirements, while providing cross-campus support in safety, emergency preparedness (EDP), and compliance audit activities under the direction of the Compliance Director.

Compliance Medicaid Wavier Program (Primary Responsibility)

  • Develop, coordinate, monitor, and revise Individual Service Plans (ISPs) in accordance with DBHDD requirements.
  • Ensure ISP goals are implemented consistently by direct support staff.
  • Monitor individual progress toward outcomes and recommend revisions when appropriate.
  • Coordinate annual, quarterly, and special ISP meetings with Support Coordinators, families, guardians, and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Monitor the quality and effectiveness of services provided within assigned programs.
  • Conduct routine observations to ensure person-centered supports are implemented appropriately.
  • Identify concerns and initiate corrective actions when necessary.
  • Support new admissions, transfers, discharges, and service transitions.
  • Ensure documentation within Therap and other required systems is accurate, complete, and submitted timely.
  • Review ISP data, attendance, progress notes, MAR documentation, GERs, behavior documentation, and other required records for accuracy and compliance.
  • Monitor HRST assessments and supporting documentation to ensure timely completion and follow-up.
  • Maintain compliance with DBHDD, Medicaid Waiver, licensing, and Annandale Village documentation standards. Monitor Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) requirements and coordinate appropriate follow-up.
  • Assist with coordination of medical, behavioral, nursing, and therapeutic services.
  • Participate in risk mitigation planning and ensure staff understand individual support needs.
  • Monitor implementation of safety plans and individual risk reduction strategies.

Staff Development

  • Provide coaching, education, and guidance to Direct Support Professionals and other staff.
  • Train staff on person-centered planning, documentation requirements, Therap usage, risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, and DBHDD requirements.
  • Assist leadership with performance improvement related to documentation and service delivery.


Audit & Survey Readiness

  • Participate in schedule routine audits using established tools for survey readiness
  • Oversee and conduct bi-weekly compliance audits to ensure adherence to licensure and regulatory requirements, including verification of required postings (e.g., fire evacuation routes, administrator and grievance officer designations), documentation accuracy, and environmental readiness and report any deficiencies to Compliance Director.

Safety & Environmental Oversight

Identify environmental risks, unsafe practices, and compliance concerns and report findings

  • Track and follow up on corrective actions related to safety issues
  • Assist or conduct safety briefing
  • Review near-miss incident on campus

Emergency Preparedness (EDP) Execution

  • Assist or Coordinate EDP drill and exercises , document on team member readiness response and identify gaps.
  • Assist or conduct safety briefing
  • Assist with maintaining emergency preparedness quick reference binders around campus ensure they are fully up to date

Incident & Risk Support

  • Assist with gathering information for investigations
  • Escalate repeat concerns or patterns

Training & Compliance Reinforcement

Reinforce staff education on:

  • Safety procedures
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Assist with onboarding and ongoing compliance-related training
  • May assist with providing real-time coaching when issues are identified

Compliance Liaison

  • Serve as liaison between Medicaid Wavier program operations and Compliance
  • Act as the on-the-ground support for compliance, safety, and EDP initiatives
  • Serve as point of contact in absence of Compliance Director


Personal Skills and Traits Desired/ Physical Requirements

  • Ability to read, write, and speak English.
  • Ability to problem solve and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands; use fingers; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to sit, stand, and walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, or crawl.
  • Employee is required to lift up to 25 pounds and/or move up to 75 pounds (with

assistance).

  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Employee is required to transport (drive) and assist Villagers in and out of vehicles.
  • Employee is required to perform CPR/First Aid.


Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in human services field (including but not limited to: social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, counseling, or related discipline) from an accredited college or university.

  • At least two years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Valid Georgia Driver's License, with acceptable motor vehicle record and proof of insurance per company policy.
  • Must meet all requirements under DBHDD policy including successful completion of criminal background checks, drug screening, and tuberculosis screening.