Developmental Disabilities Care Coordinator

Career Guide

A Developmental Disabilities Care Coordinator helps people with developmental disabilities and their families access services, set goals, and navigate health, education, and community supports. The role combines relationship building, planning, advocacy, and ongoing follow-up to ensure care is coordinated and person-centered.

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Key Responsibilities

Complete intakes and ongoing needs assessments
Develop individualized service plans and measurable goals
Coordinate referrals to clinical, therapy, and community services
Support access to benefits and eligibility documentation
Facilitate communication across providers, schools, and family members
Monitor service delivery and follow up on missed or delayed supports
Coach clients and families on self-advocacy and informed choices
Maintain accurate case notes and required documentation
Respond to changes in needs and manage urgent situations
Track outcomes and update plans based on progress

Top Skills for Success

Empathy

Active Listening

Clear Written Communication

De-escalation

Time Management

Care Planning

Case Documentation

Service Navigation

Disability Rights Knowledge

Trauma Informed Care

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Care Coordinator Case Manager Direct Support Professional Family Support Specialist Patient Navigator

Transition Opportunities

Senior Care Coordinator

Clinical Case Manager Program Supervisor Quality Improvement Specialist Utilization Review Specialist Behavioral Health Care Manager

Service Coordinator Lead

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Benefits NavigationMotivational InterviewingCrisis ResponseBoundary SettingOutcome MeasurementResource MappingConflict ResolutionCultural Humility

Development SuggestionsBuild a local resource directory, shadow an experienced coordinator, and practice structured assessments and goal writing. Strengthen documentation quality with templates and checklists. Ask your supervisor for regular case reviews to improve prioritization, escalation decisions, and follow-up routines.

Market Intelligence Report

Developmental Disabilities Care Coordinator is part of the Customer Support category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 40,000 to 52,000

Mid LevelUSD 52,000 to 68,000

Senior LevelUSD 68,000 to 85,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand driven by expanded community-based services, increased care coordination needs, and ongoing workforce shortages in social services and behavioral health.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

State developmental disability agenciesCounty human services departmentsManaged care organizationsCommunity mental health centersNonprofit disability service providersHome and community based service agenciesHospital and health system care management teamsSchool district transition support programs

Industry Sectors

Public Health and Human ServicesNonprofit Social ServicesHealthcareBehavioral HealthEducation Support ServicesLong Term Services and Supports

Recommended Next Steps

Update your resume to highlight caseload size, coordination activities, and measurable client outcomes

Create a simple portfolio with de-identified service plan examples and referral workflows

Pursue targeted training in trauma informed care and motivational interviewing

Learn the core benefits used by your client population and practice explaining them clearly

Request informational interviews with coordinators in managed care, nonprofit, and public agency settings

Set a 60-day skill plan focused on documentation quality, time management, and crisis readiness