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Developmental Disability Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Café Intern

Fulshear, TX · On-site

$7.50/hr

This is a great opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are seeking employment experience in a supported setting. Our mission is to make and serve exceptional ...

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Developmental Disability information

See Houston, TX salary details

$33.4K

$50.5K

$80.2K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Houston, TX is $50,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $53,000.00 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 popular job titles related to Developmental Disability jobs in Houston, TX?

For Developmental Disability jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Developmental Disability job openings:

Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,482 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Child Development Specialist (ECI)

The Harris Center

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Child Development Specialistto join our team.Provides Early Childhood Intervention Services. These services include Referral, Assessment, Intervention and Service Coordination to infants and toddlers birth to 3 years old and their families.

Your Role in Action:

Conducts telephone interviews to processes referrals and schedule initial evaluations and initial Individual

Family Service Plans [IFSP]

Assesses development for initial and annual eligibility

Assesses development and ongoing progress in order to meet the needs of the child and family

Develops initial IFSPs with team members including the family

Schedules and reviews IFSPs every 6 months and annually

Provides Specialized Skills Training to address developmental needs

Provides Service Coordination to address child and family needs

Documents every contact and attempts to contact families electronically

Submits electronic documentation according to agency policy

Meets requirements to comply with ECI procedural safeguards and confidentiality

Meets ECI and agency required training policies.

Meets annual requirements to renew EIS Certificate

Conducts chart audits to meet ECI policies and procedures

Provides written audit feedback to managers and staff

Provides ECI required and ongoing training

Maintains accuracy of EIS Registry

Assesses ECI training needs

Develops IPDPs and monitors completion of ECI CSPD

Provides mentoring visits to complete CSPD activities and as needed

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or equivalent in Social Science or a degree with a minimum of 18 credit hours of Social Science courses.

A university transcript is required to verify applicable coursework if degree is not in the social sciences.

Experience:

  • Experience working with children from birth to three [3] years old is preferred.

Other Key Qualifications:

Texas Driver's License required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The person must have well-developed interpersonal, organizational, and problem solving skills and be a team player with a desire to provide a high level of customer service.

Possess strong verbal and written communication skills and interact effectively at all levels within the organization.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team environment.

Cooperative and willing to assist others.

Excellent organizational skills.

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:

This posting is associated with position #9925

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.

This contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.


What The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD employees say

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