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Developmental Disability Jobs in Independence, MO

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Developmental Disability information

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$31.8K

$48.1K

$76.4K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Independence, MO is $48,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $50,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Independence, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Independence, MO are:

What cities near Independence, MO are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs?

Cities near Independence, MO with the most Developmental Disability job openings:

Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Independence, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,096 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Developmental Pediatrician

Children's Mercy KC

Overland Park, KS • On-site

$165K - $214K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Children's Mercy Kansas City rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 1,060 rated hospitals


Job description

Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

Overview

The Division of Developmental & Behavioral Sciences is seeking a full-time, board-eligible/board-certified Developmental-Behavioral pediatrician to join our multidisciplinary team comprised of four Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians, ten Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists, and fifty doctorate-level psychologists. The ideal candidate will have interest in or experience with diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of disabilities/disorders including various forms of developmental delay and learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, genetic abnormalities, and behavioral disorders. 

Responsibilities will include teaching residents and fellows in both outpatient settings and maintaining a clinical schedule.  Details of percent time spent in various responsibilities will be discussed at the time of interview and dependent upon candidates training and expertise. Faculty appointment is through the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.

In addition to providing multidisciplinary care to patients and families, the Division sponsors an ACGME accredited Developmental-Behavioral Fellowship with potential for one fellow annually in a three year fellowship curriculum as well as an APA approved Psychology Internship program accepting three interns annually.

Please apply onilne with CV and Covr Letter or send to physicianjobs@cmh.edu

For more information about Children's Mercy Kansas City and about Kansas City itself, visit cmkc.link/TakeYourPlace.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Responsibilities- Provides quality clinical care to patients. - Provides education to physicians, students, and allied health - Participates in scholarly activities that contribute to medical knowledge - Participates in administrative activities and promotes fiscal responsibilityQualifications
  • Other Medical Degree (MD) and Residency/Fellowship
  • CMH Hospital Priveleges Required
  • State Medical License Required
  • BNDD and DEA Certificates Required
  • BE/BC Required
EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free. CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.

Employment Type: OTHER

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About Children's Mercy KC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Children’s Mercy KC is a revered health care institution based in Kansas City, MO, US. Known to be one of the top pediatric medical centers in the United States, the establishment is dedicated to offering holistic medical care, pioneering research, and comprehensive education to enhance the well-being of children. Originally founded in 1897 by Alice Berry Graham and her sister, Katharine Berry Richardson, Children's Mercy has since then grown into a multifaceted institution providing world-class pediatric health services.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1897