ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Developmental Disability Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Oak Leyden

Developmental Therapist

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$49.29/hr

We're looking for a passionate Part Time Developmental Therapist (Independent Contractor) who ... disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or ...

M Street

Developmental Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities * Intervention Strategies for Young ... Battelle Developmental Inventory-2nd Edition (BDI-2) * Developmental Assessment of Young Children ...

M Street

Developmental Therapist

Chicago, IL · On-site

Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities * Intervention Strategies for Young ... Battelle Developmental Inventory-2nd Edition (BDI-2) * Developmental Assessment of Young Children ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsDevelopmental Disability JobsDevelopmental Disability Jobs in Chicago, IL

Developmental Disability information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.1K

$54.5K

$86.6K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Chicago, IL is $54,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $57,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Developmental Disability jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Developmental Disability job openings:

Developmental Disability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $54,524 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Developmental Trainer

Progressive Housing Inc

Flossmoor, IL • On-site

$20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Developmental Trainer (DT) provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities in vocational activities.  Vocational programs provide assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities with gaining, retaining or improving self-help, socialization and adaptive skills in a non-residential setting, separate from the individual’s private residence or other living arrangement. This position provides transitional support, production supervision, task analysis, development and implementation of training plans.  The DT at Progressive Housing, Inc. is adaptable, mission oriented, goal driven, highly organized, efficient, a positive role model, and exercises good judgment and decision making skills.   

  • Be familiar and comply with current state and federal rules and regulations and perform all assigned tasks in accordance with facility policy and procedures
  • Ensure that individuals exercise their rights and are treated with dignity and respect
  • Know the whereabouts of individuals you are directly responsible for at all times and always place their safety and welfare first
  • Respect and maintain confidentiality of all individuals’ personal information
  • Responsible for the implementation and documentation of individual goals and objectives and monitoring of social and personal behavioral intervention programs
  • Be familiar with emergency behavior management techniques as set forth by Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), standard precautions and infection control techniques, the proper placement and use of emergency equipment and procedures, and good body mechanics to maintain a clean, safe, positive and secure environment at all times
  • Attend Individual Service Plans (ISPs) meetings and assist in the development of the program plan while working closely with each individual to identify supports that will improve the quality of life and ensuring positive outcomes
  • Attend in-service training as required to continue skill development and complete paperwork, as necessary, to meet PHI, federal, and state regulatory requirements
  • Sign and date all documentation accurately and in a timely manner including but not limited to program data sheets, incident forms, behavior forms, daily communication logs, etc.
  • Observe for and report medical concerns and accidents / incidents  immediately to the Program Director, RSD/QIDP and Nurse
  • Report any and all allegations of individual abuse or neglect that is reported to or witnessed  to the RSD/QIDP and Office of Inspector General (OIG)
  • Other miscellaneous duties as assigned
  • $20.75 per hour beginning rate