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$52.9K

$84K

How much do developmental disability jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for developmental disability in the United States is $52,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $55,500.00 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 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.
More about Developmental Disability jobs
What cities are hiring for Developmental Disability jobs? Cities with the most Developmental Disability job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Developmental Disability jobs? The most popular types of Developmental Disability jobs are:
What states have the most Developmental Disability jobs? States with the most job openings for Developmental Disability jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Developmental Disability jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Developmental Disability jobs are:
Developmental Disability jobs near you
Infographic showing various Developmental Disability job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,887 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Residential Counselor (Developmental Disabilities)

Vinfen

Norwood, MA

$21.75/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Vinfen rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Schedule:Thu 3pm-11pm, Fri 3pm-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm

Salary:$21.75 / hour

As a Residential Counselor, you will provide direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a small group residential setting or an individual living arrangement. In your role you will work together with the people we serve, their families, friends, employers, and other support staff to transform their lives by either building independence skills or increasing each person's quality of life.

Residential Counselors have a range of duties include administrating medication under the Medication Administration Plan (MAP), implementing treatment plans, and assisting people with activities of daily living, such as household chores and cooking. You also strengthen residents' connection to their community by providing transportation on outings such as shopping and doctor's appointments.

Why Vinfen? We are committed to you! We offer great training, great benefits, career growth and job security!

Our comprehensive and generous benefits package includes:

  • A fully funded, employer-sponsored retirement plan that requires no employee contribution as well as an employee-funded 403(b) plan
  • Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision plans
  • Employer-paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous Vacation, Holiday, Personal and Sick Time Benefits
  • Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care)
  • Educational Assistance and Remission Programs
  • $500 Employee Referral Bonus with no annual cap!
  • Other generous benefits and perks!

About Us

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

Keywords: social services, counseling, social work, group home, DSP, Direct Care, psychology, mentor, mental illness, mental health, disability, developmental disabilities, behavioral, rehabilitative, psychiatric, outreach worker, outreach services, human services, nonprofit, autism, crisis, trauma, advocacy, developmental disability, recovery, Direct Care, VinfenRC
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Experience working with people with developmental disabilities and/or brain injury strongly preferred.
  • Strong time management and writing skills.
  • All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a current, valid, US drivers' license for at least one year.
  • Must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment and MAP certified within 150 days of employment.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a CORI, reference, national fingerprinting and driving record check.

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