1

Developmental Disability Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Developmental Disability information

See Portland, OR salary details

$37.1K

$56.1K

$89.1K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in Portland, OR is $56,087.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $58,900.00 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 Portland, OR? For Developmental Disability jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,087 per year, or $27 per hour.

Developmental Disabilities Program Manager (Program Manager I)

Clark County

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Clark County (Nevada) rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

570th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary
This position is responsible for the planning, funding, and management of the complex system of local services for children and adults with developmental disabilities in Clark County. Services are based on consumer requests/needs, community needs, and state/federal and local requirements. The position develops and manages program budgets, prepares comprehensive community plans, supervises staff, and ensures there's staff support to the local county advisory board.
The position builds capacity within the local community through active partnerships with business, education, service providers, neighborhoods, and others to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families have opportunities for formal and informal support. There is significant work with the business community to expand supported employment opportunities. Work with local school districts is intended to collaborate in the funding of services for children birth to three and coordinate students transitioning to adulthood after school eligibility.
This position actively supports and participates in the County and department diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Outreach to inform all people of developmental disabilities services is a major part of this job with a particular focus on outreach and increasing access to services to diverse, underrepresented communities.
The primary role is supervising employees that work on the implementation of legally mandated services including the provision of information and education opportunities to families, consumers, general community members, education faculty and the business community. The position also works with department staff to negotiate the state/county contracts, supervises employees that work on the development of local provider contracts and develops other grants to meet community needs. Analyzing public policy and interpreting public policy is a frequent function of this position as well as contact with policy makers such as local and state elected officials.
This position also supervises employees that work on billing, data management, evaluation and monitoring of programs and the development of new programs and services to meet the changing needs of consumers and families. It is responsible for implementing and interpreting any new state, local, and federal initiatives. The Program Manager reports to the Department Director or assigned designee.
Qualifications
This position requires a bachelor's degree in social science, public administration, psychology, social work or related degree). Master's degree in the same field is preferred. A minimum of five years of proven experience in the administration or delivery of services and budget management. A minimum of five years of experience supervising and management of employees.
Knowledge of; all aspects of human resource management of employees, public sector organizations, project management, planning, budgeting, provider monitoring, contract compliance and policy analysis are needed. Experience supervising staff represented by collective bargaining units is preferred. It is highly desirable to have experience in interpreting county, state, and federal laws and regulations related to developmental disabilities and in evaluating policies, procedures, public information and service delivery issues. Ability to show demonstrated success in working with diverse populations, increasing outreach and access to services.
Ability to; effectively plan, direct, and delegate program activities to program staff. This includes assigning work, delegating authority to carry out policy directives, writing reports, analyzing problems and identifying solutions, interpreting policy, procedures, regulations, and overseeing the evaluation and monitoring of contractors as well as planning for future program activity. This position must maintain effective working relationships with staff, peers, department management, the public, other county departments and county programs, other governmental jurisdictions, contractors and funders. Ability to clearly express ideas and information in verbal and written form and develop written communication to include having the ability to give public presentations in a professional manner. The position must also be able to effectively develop staff to work with an advisory board which recommends policy and practice to the Board of County Commissioners.
Other Special Requirements; A successful criminal background check as required by law.
Successful work experience in supervising staff, leadership of programs, initiatives, and groups of stakeholders is necessary to carry out the key elements of this position. All combinations of education, experience, and training that demonstrate the ability to perform the work will be considered. The ideal candidate has the following strengths:
CURRENT KEY OR TYPICAL TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Plan, organize and determine overall program mission, core services and allocation of financial resources including the preparation of a comprehensive community plan and the short- and long-term goals to achieve program goals and priorities.
  • Effectively supervise, coach and mentor staff, including completing annual performance evaluations timely, managing all corrective and/or disciplinary personnel issues, recruiting, hiring and onboarding of employees and be knowledgeable of collective bargaining agreement for represented staff.
  • Be knowledgeable and follow county and departmental policies and procedures and management directives.
  • Lead the development, interpretation and implementation of state, federal, and local policies and practices related to developmental disabilities. Provide information to staff, department and county management, elected officials and other interested parties including the public on state and federal requirements and standards.
  • Fiscal management includes the development of the program's operating budget, successful monitoring of revenues and expenditures, development or improvement of funding mechanisms and sources, ensuring that the program is within budget and meeting all state, federal and local contractual requirements.
  • Prepare timely reports on program performance, needs, services information, and demographic data; contribute to and ensure the evaluation of program performance. Monitor and evaluate program performance by ensuring staff monitor subcontractor performance and effectiveness.
  • Effectively work with education, the business community and public sector to expand opportunities for collaboration with and understanding of developmental disabilities. Develop policies, programs, and activities involving community education, and public information for families, consumers, education faculty, the business community, and general community members that meet the intent of state contract. Promote optimum community participation and input into the program's goals and activities, particularly input into the comprehensive plan.
  • Direct, coordinate and review the program unit's work plan: assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures. Develop staff to support the local Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board.
  • Analyze and manage the program services and activities; in alignment with state contract requirements develop and implement new programs and services to meet the changing needs of consumers, families, and the community as well as changing state and federal requirements. Define and monitor program goals and objectives; establish methods and means of accomplishing objectives; implement policies and procedures; negotiate state contracts, local service provider contracts, and partner with other community stakeholders to develop additional resources that benefit the citizens of Clark County.
  • Develop positive working relationships and community partnerships with direct reports, peers, department management, other departments, education, business, families, state agencies, other counties, and customers to enhance the goals of the Developmental Disabilities Program.
  • Build relationships with diverse community-based organizations to help improve outreach and increase access to services for diverse populations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned such as representing the county at the Association of County Human Services, on statewide committees, work groups, and at Legislative Hearings.
  • Develop and present information at local or state conferences and meetings as requested
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a hybrid model of teleworking from home and working in the office with variations in temperature and noise levels, and field work and travel to meetings, training/seminars, and various public events to include evening or out of the area meetings and as a result a valid driver's license may be required. Must be willing to attend meetings, training, events, or work in the office in-person when required. Environment includes volume and temperament of people encountered in the course of work. Essential tasks involve reading and reviewing written documents and the use of personal computer software applications; oral communications both in person and via telephone. Most positions involve a high activity level and pace, competing time demands and may involve interaction with dissatisfied or angry customers. Light lifting and stamina are standard elements, which can be accommodated if necessary. Essential tasks typically include typing/keyboard skills, phone usage, reading, speaking, and listening. Successful applicant must live within one hour of designed physical office located at the Center of Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain, Blvd in Vancouver, WA.
Salary Grade
M2.202
Salary Range
$7,117.00 - $9,963.00- per month
Close Date
Open Until FilledRecruiter
Irene Catherine Chrest
Email:
Irene.Chrest@clark.wa.gov
Equal Opportunity Employer
Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Employee Benefits and additional compensation
Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation. More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.
Retirement Information
All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.
For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/
If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.

What Clark County (Nevada) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom