Entry Level Developmental Therapist Jobs
New grad developmental therapist jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a clinical portfolio can carry more weight than a lengthy 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 12+ Entry Level Developmental Therapist 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.
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Entry Level Developmental Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level developmental therapist job?
Start by completing supervised fieldwork or internships during your program, since hands-on hours signal readiness to employers more than coursework alone. Highlight any practicum experience, specific populations you have worked with, and progress-monitoring skills on your resume. Many entry level postings also accept candidates who hold a relevant degree and are working toward licensure, so apply even before you have full credentials.
Which companies hire entry level developmental therapists?
Companies hiring entry level developmental therapists right now include University of Kentucky, Advocates, and Union College, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level typically comes from early intervention programs, school districts, pediatric therapy centers, and nonprofit developmental services organizations that build teams by onboarding new graduates.
Are there remote entry level developmental therapist jobs?
Yes, though most positions at this level are on-site or hybrid due to the hands-on nature of the work. About 14% of entry level developmental therapist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with telehealth roles most common in parent coaching, consultation, and coordination functions rather than direct therapy sessions.
Are these new grad developmental therapist jobs?
Yes, this page includes new grad, recent graduate, and junior developmental therapist roles alongside other entry level postings. A listing is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or practicum hours, or accepts a strong portfolio in place of a long work history. Look for phrases like 'new graduates encouraged to apply' or 'training provided' in the posting.
Which industries hire the most entry level developmental therapists?
Entry Level developmental therapist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they receive dedicated funding for early intervention services and regularly onboard new graduates to meet caseload demand.