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Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities Jobs

ServiceNet

Direct Care Professional

Greenfield, MA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Direct Care Professional Department: Developmental Brain Injury Services Location ... developmental disabilities, brain injuries, homelessness, and substance use issues. With over 1,800 ...

People Inc. (NY)

Direct Care Professional R251

Swansea, MA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

You will be part of a team supporting adults with development disabilities in a residential program. Direct Care Professionals provide assistance with daily activities and ensure a structured routine ...

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Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities information

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$35K

$52.9K

$84K

How much do direct care professional developmental disabilities jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for direct care professional developmental disabilities 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 Direct Care Professionals for Developmental Disabilities?

Direct Care Professionals for Developmental Disabilities are individuals who provide hands-on support and assistance to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their responsibilities include helping clients with daily living activities, personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and social integration. They also monitor clients' well-being, ensure a safe environment, and encourage independence and skill development. These professionals work in various settings, such as group homes, residential facilities, and private residences.

What are some common challenges faced by Direct Care Professionals working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and how can they be managed?

Direct Care Professionals supporting individuals with developmental disabilities often encounter challenges such as communication barriers, behavioral issues, and emotional stress. Managing these situations typically involves using patience, active listening, and evidence-based behavioral interventions. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—including nurses, therapists, and family members—helps ensure consistent care and provides additional support. Regular training and open communication with supervisors can also help professionals effectively navigate difficult situations and maintain a positive, supportive environment for clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Direct Care Professional for individuals with developmental disabilities, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Care Professional for individuals with developmental disabilities, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare knowledge, and specialized training in developmental disabilities. Familiarity with support plans, incident reporting systems, and sometimes certifications like CPR or First Aid are typically required. Patience, empathy, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals build trust and effectively support clients’ needs. These competencies ensure the safety, well-being, and personal growth of individuals in care, while maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectDirect Care Professional Developmental DisabilitiesDirect Support Professional
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, specialized training in developmental disabilitiesCPR, First Aid, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with developmental disabilities in residential, community, or day programsSupporting individuals with disabilities in various settings, including residential and community
Employer & Industry UsageHuman services agencies, healthcare providers, non-profitsSimilar employers, often used interchangeably in job listings

Both roles involve providing care and support to individuals with disabilities, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The term "Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities" emphasizes specialization in developmental disabilities, while "Direct Support Professional" is a broader term encompassing various support roles. Both are vital in helping individuals achieve independence and quality of life.

What cities are hiring for Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities jobs? Cities with the most Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities job openings:
What states have the most Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities jobs? States with the most job openings for Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities jobs include:
Direct Care Professional Developmental Disabilities jobs near you
Direct Service Professional (Developmental Disabilities)

Direct Service Professional (Developmental Disabilities)

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health

Cedartown, GA • On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Highland Rivers Behavioral Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
There is a place for you at Highland Rivers Behavioral Health!
Highland Rivers provides treatment and recovery services to individuals impacted by mental illness; substance use disorders and intellectual developmental disabilities.
Are you ready to make a Difference?
JOB SUMMARY:Community Access Group (CAG) services are provided to an individual participant, with a one-to-one staff to participant ratio which are directly linked to goals and expectations of improvement in skills. The intended outcome of CAG services is to improve the participant's access to the community through increased skills, increased natural supports, and/or less paid supports. The position provides teaching and coaching to assist the participant in developing social skills, networking abilities, and adaptive skills to allow the individual independence with community participation outside of their residence. The position may also support an individual to reduce maladaptive or inappropriate behaviors.
Duties and Responsibilities include:
  • Provide services in non-facility, community-based settings outside the Participants' own or family home or any other residential setting. Assistance Acquiring, retaining, or improving socialization, and adaptive skills for active community participation and independent functioning such as assisting the participant with money management, teaching appropriate shopping skills, using public transportation, and teaching nutrition and diet information.
  • Other related participant-specific assistance, such as assistance with personal care items like meals and toileting needs.
  • Transportation to and from activities and settings primarily utilized by the Participant.
  • Documentation of the individual activities addressing goals and progress in the electronic behavioral health record within the required timeframe.
  • Collaboration with the Program Coordinator and Treatment Team members for any significant changes or updates to ensure health, safety and welfare of the individual supported.
  • Reporting all changes or concerns to the Program Coordinator within one hour of observation.
  • Assure the confidentiality and client rights requirements are maintained and in alignment with the federal, state and agency guidelines.
  • Assure successful completion of all initial and annual training requirements.
  • Assist with the development of individual support plan for each assigned individual.
  • Use age-appropriate interaction and materials to promote individual dignity and independence.
  • Participate and assists with meal and leisure time activities for individuals.
  • Provide individual and/or small group age-appropriate functional training activities such as: self-help, language development, perceptual motor development, simple academic and vocational work activities.
  • Assure the confidentiality and client rights requirements are maintained and in alignment with the federal, state and agency guidelines.
  • Perform general cleaning activities.
  • Daily documentation in Carelogic and other tracking required by ISP or medical needs.
  • Adherence and implementation of Behavioral Support plan and tracking.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:
  • Health Insurance through the State Health Benefit Plan of GA
  • Flexible Benefits such as dental, vision, life, critical illness, etc.
  • Retirement Plan with employer matching
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off with increase of accruals based on years of service
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 1 personal day
  • Qualifying employer for Public Student Loan Forgiveness

Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Licensure/Certification - Current State of Georgia Driver's License
  • At least 6 months experience with Developmental Disabilities preferred.
  • Computer, organizational and teaching skills. Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Bi-Lingual abilities a plus

Apply