Entry Level Developmental Specialist Jobs
New grad developmental specialist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or hands-on fieldwork portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, with employers like University of Kentucky, Advocates, and Union College hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Entry Level Developmental Specialist jobs
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Administratively responsible to the Health Services Manager or Health Services Supervisor, the Licensed Practical Nurse attends to the nursing needs of ICF/ID residents. In conjunction with the Shift Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor, the Licensed Practical Nurse attends to the daily living program needs of the residents. A minimum of 60% of worktime is spent in direct resident contact.
The Licensed Practical Nurse must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the residents served on his/her unit—adolescent through geriatric, and functioning levels of residents within the ID Program. The Licensed Practical Nurse must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the resident's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each resident's requirements relative to their specific needs; to provide the active treatment needed as developed by the interdisciplinary Team and outlined in the Individual Program Plan (IPP); and to provide the care needed as described in DSD’s policies and procedures.
Type of supervision exercised: none. Jobs reporting to this position: none.
EDUCATION:
Graduate of an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program required.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Nursing experience preferred. Experience working with mentally handicapped individuals preferred.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a current license as a Licensed Practical Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners required. CPR certification must be obtained and maintained.
Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.
Must pass post job offer, pre-placement physical exam; and initial and subsequent annual TB screenings.
Valid PA driver's license required for travel to fulfill responsibilities, i.e., resident programming, transport, and appointments. Must successfully complete Allied’s Driver Training Program, as stated by policy #2.43.
Must demonstrate good administrative ability. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective interaction with staff, residents, visitors and external agencies. Knowledge of counseling skills and behavioral intervention techniques required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Moderate work: duties require exerting up to 25 lbs or force occasionally (approximately 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10 lbs or force frequently (approximately 33-66% of shift). Must be able to assist with resident transfers to and from wheelchairs, beds, toilet facilities, ambulation difficulties, and seizures. Position involves implementing IBP's and crisis intervention i.e., physical redirection, restraint, and techniques for protection of self and others.
Sight, hearing, and speech sufficient to effectively communicate with residents is required.
Must have ability to attend to various emergency and other resident medical needs in various program locations as situations demand. Must be able to travel to various program locations as needed.
ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:
Position requires occasional crisis intervention.
Position involves occasional exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Position involves frequent work in and around bathroom/shower areas where floors may be wet.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Residential settings for intellectually disabled individuals.
Position involves participation in indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons of year.
Occasionally environment may be noisy and distracting.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Administratively responsible to the Health Services Manager or Health Services Supervisor, the Licensed Practical Nurse attends to the nursing needs of ICF/ID residents. In conjunction with the Shift Supervisor and/or Assistant Supervisor, the Licensed Practical Nurse attends to the daily living program needs of the residents. A minimum of 60% of worktime is spent in direct resident contact.
The Licensed Practical Nurse must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the residents served on his/her unit—adolescent through geriatric, and functioning levels of residents within the ID Program. The Licensed Practical Nurse must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the resident's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each resident's requirements relative to their specific needs; to provide the active treatment needed as developed by the interdisciplinary Team and outlined in the Individual Program Plan (IPP); and to provide the care needed as described in DSD’s policies and procedures.
Type of supervision exercised: none. Jobs reporting to this position: none.
EDUCATION:
Graduate of an accredited Licensed Practical Nursing Program required.
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Nursing experience preferred. Experience working with mentally handicapped individuals preferred.
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a current license as a Licensed Practical Nurse issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nurse Examiners required. CPR certification must be obtained and maintained.
Must be cleared by PA State Police criminal history check.
Must pass post job offer, pre-placement physical exam; and initial and subsequent annual TB screenings.
Valid PA driver's license required for travel to fulfill responsibilities, i.e., resident programming, transport, and appointments. Must successfully complete Allied’s Driver Training Program, as stated by policy #2.43.
Must demonstrate good administrative ability. Good written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills required for effective interaction with staff, residents, visitors and external agencies. Knowledge of counseling skills and behavioral intervention techniques required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Moderate work: duties require exerting up to 25 lbs or force occasionally (approximately 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10 lbs or force frequently (approximately 33-66% of shift). Must be able to assist with resident transfers to and from wheelchairs, beds, toilet facilities, ambulation difficulties, and seizures. Position involves implementing IBP's and crisis intervention i.e., physical redirection, restraint, and techniques for protection of self and others.
Sight, hearing, and speech sufficient to effectively communicate with residents is required.
Must have ability to attend to various emergency and other resident medical needs in various program locations as situations demand. Must be able to travel to various program locations as needed.
ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS:
Position requires occasional crisis intervention.
Position involves occasional exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Position involves frequent work in and around bathroom/shower areas where floors may be wet.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Residential settings for intellectually disabled individuals.
Position involves participation in indoor and outdoor activities during all seasons of year.
Occasionally environment may be noisy and distracting.
See All 11 Entry Level Developmental Specialist Jobs
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Entry Level Developmental Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level developmental specialist job?
Start by highlighting any hands-on experience with children, families, or individuals with developmental needs, including internships, practicum hours, or volunteer work. Employers at this level typically look for a relevant degree in child development, psychology, special education, or a related field. A portfolio documenting assessments or intervention work, along with strong references from supervisors or faculty, can give junior candidates a meaningful edge.
Which companies hire entry level developmental specialists?
Companies hiring entry level developmental specialists right now include University of Kentucky, Advocates, and Union College, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from early childhood programs, school districts, nonprofit service providers, healthcare systems, and government-funded developmental services agencies.
Are there remote entry level developmental specialist jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles involve direct client contact and are predominantly on-site. About 0% of entry level developmental specialist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions often focus on care coordination, documentation, family coaching, or telehealth-based developmental screenings rather than in-person assessment.
Are these new grad developmental specialist jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior developmental specialist roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience and counts internships, practicum placements, or a strong portfolio of fieldwork in lieu of full professional history. Look for language like "entry level," "will train," or "recent graduates encouraged to apply" as reliable signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level developmental specialists?
Entry Level developmental specialist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive the most entry level hiring because they fund early intervention programs, developmental screenings, and support services that rely on a steady pipeline of junior specialists entering the workforce.