The specialist will complete assessments, gather and review information from various sources, and accurately document findings to determine eligibility for services and Medicaid waiver funding. This involves coordinating with internal and external parties, making referrals, tracking assignments, and maintaining clear communication throughout the process.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as special education, early childhood, or social work, along with specific experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and conducting relevant assessments. The role requires the ability to travel within Hamilton County and pass mandatory background and registry checks.
At Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life. Our team makes that possible every day — and we're looking for people who want their work to matter. We are committed to building a team as diverse as the people we serve, where every member feels valued, supported, and set up to succeed. You'll thrive here if you:
Are driven by purpose and find fulfillment in improving the lives of others
Communicate clearly and compassionately — in writing and in person
Want to grow within an organization that invests in its people and its community
What We Offer
Competitive Pay
Starting salary is based on experience: $26.00/hr ($49,000/yr) with no experience, up to $32.50/hr ($61,200/yr) with 10+ years in the same role.
Hourly role paid bi-weekly
Work-Life Balance
36.25-hour full-time work week, fixed shift start and end times
Hybrid in-office/work-from-home options
3 weeks vacation accrual per year to start, with 1 week allocated immediately upon hire
3 personal days per year
15 sick days allocated upon hire; accrues at 15 days per year after year one, with unlimited accrual
Outstanding Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; HRA available for those who opt out of medical coverage
FREE medical care and prescriptions through Marathon Health
Employer-paid life insurance
Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
Wellness incentives and a robust Employee Assistance Program
Ohio Public Employees' Retirement System (OPERS): 10% employee / 14% employer contribution
Assessment Specialist A typical day in this role involves completing assessments, gathering and reviewing information from individuals, families, and team members, and documenting findings accurately. The role includes coordinating with internal departments and external providers, making referrals based on identified needs, and sharing information with the appropriate ongoing support team. After assessments are completed, individuals are typically transitioned to another team or point of contact for ongoing support. Daily work also involves tracking assignments, meeting deadlines, and maintaining clear communication throughout the process. This is an outwardly facing position which would necessitate frequent meetings in the office or in individuals’ homes. Job Duties (Summary):
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
Vacation
Tuition Reimbursement
Medical Coverage
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Personal Days
Wellness Incentives
Sick Days
HRA
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
Free Prescriptions
Free Medical Care
Retirement Plan (OPERS)
Administer, score, and submit InterRAI and Ohio Assessment tools in required state and county systems within established timelines
Conduct in-person and phone assessments for individuals and families with developmental disabilities to determine eligibility for County Board services and nursing home placement
Evaluate individuals using state-approved instruments, applying independent judgment to make recommendations for services and Medicaid waiver funding
Collect and analyze records; interview individuals served, families, and support staff to inform assessment findings
Ensure compliance with state regulations, Medicaid waiver requirements, and confidentiality standards
Communicate assessment findings to internal teams, provider agencies, and other professionals to support service planning
Coordinate waiver waiting list processes and monitor individuals whose needs are met through alternative resources
Research and connect individuals and families with appropriate community resources
Maintain accurate, timely documentation and progress tracking in required databases
Travel to worksites and community locations as needed
Represent the agency professionally to build and maintain community partnerships
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in special education, early childhood, social work, or related field
One year of full-time paid work experience in programs or services for individuals with developmental disabilities
1.5 years of experience conducting relevant assessments
Ability to travel within Hamilton County as needed
Hybrid locations – work is performed both away from the office and at 1701 Patricia McCollum Way, Cincinnati, OH 45237. Employees are expected to travel within the county to meet with individuals and attend in-office meetings as needed. The flexibility to work from home is available when job duties allow.
Deadline to
Apply:
Monday,
April 6th, 2026, at noon
EST
Ideal start date: Thursday, May 7th, 2026 Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future. Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services offers equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
