Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians is becoming increasingly important.

As the complexity of child development and behavior increases, the need for highly skilled professionals who can diagnose, guide, and offer specialized care intensifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker eager to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A healthcare recruiter designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of developmental-behavioral pediatrics,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we present a customizable Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Duties and Responsibilities

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating children with developmental delays or behavioral issues.

They work alongside other medical professionals, educators, and parents to ensure children receive appropriate care and support.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development
• Diagnosing a range of developmental disorders, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders
• Developing personalized treatment plans for children, considering their unique needs, strengths, and challenges
• Providing counseling and education to families regarding their child’s condition and treatment
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists
• Conducting ongoing assessment and adjustment of treatment plans based on children’s progress
• Referring children to specialists when necessary and coordinating care
• Keeping detailed patient records to track development, treatment, and progress
• Staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in pediatric and developmental-behavioral health

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician to join our team.

The ideal candidate will specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of developmental, behavioral, and mental health conditions in children and adolescents.

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician will provide diagnostic services, develop individualized treatment plans, and work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and diagnose a wide range of developmental and behavioral issues in children and adolescents
• Create and implement individualized treatment plans
• Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including therapists, psychologists, and social workers
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to patients and their families
• Keep accurate and detailed patient records
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in pediatric medicine
• Participate in continuing education programs and medical conferences

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree
• Board certified or eligible in Pediatrics and Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics
• Current, valid state medical license
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills
• Compassionate and caring demeanor
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
• Work Environment: Hospital or private practice. This position may require being on call.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief of Pediatrics or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $180,000 minimum to $240,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Do?

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians are specialized healthcare professionals who work with children, teenagers, and their families to evaluate, diagnose, and treat various developmental, behavioral, and learning issues.

These conditions can include attention and behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, learning disorders, delayed development in speech or motor skills, and social, school, and emotional issues.

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians conduct comprehensive assessments and observations of a child’s behavior, attention span, learning abilities, and interactions with others.

They incorporate information from the child’s family, teachers, and other healthcare providers to determine the presence and extent of developmental and behavioral conditions.

After diagnosis, they develop personalized treatment plans often involving behavior strategies, medications, therapeutic interventions, or a combination.

They also coordinate care with other professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and special educators.

Moreover, they provide counseling and support to the child’s family, helping them to understand and manage the child’s condition.

They work closely with schools, community agencies, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the child receives comprehensive care and support.

These pediatricians also play a crucial role in early intervention and prevention, by identifying potential developmental and behavioral issues during regular check-ups and advising parents on appropriate measures to promote healthy development.

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Qualifications and Skills

A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician should have a variety of medical and interpersonal skills and qualifications, including:

• Having the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of developmental and behavioral disorders including, but not limited to, ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems.
• Strong communication skills to effectively converse with families, teachers, and other professionals involved in a child’s care, and to provide clear instructions and explanations regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress.
• Empathy and understanding to compassionately handle sensitive issues relating to a child’s behavioral and developmental challenges.
• Exceptional observation and analytical skills to recognize and interpret subtle signs of developmental or behavioral issues in children.
• Problem-solving skills to devise effective treatment plans and interventions for various developmental and behavioral disorders.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients.
• The ability to keep up-to-date with the latest research and medical advancements in pediatric developmental and behavioral disorders.
• Patience and a calm demeanor to handle children who may be difficult or non-compliant, and to reassure anxious parents.

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Experience Requirements

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians require extensive education and experience due to the specialized nature of their work.

These professionals usually complete a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited medical school.

Entry-level Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians often have at least 3 years of Pediatric Residency Program experience.

This residency provides critical hands-on experience in general pediatrics and exposure to various developmental and behavioral conditions in children.

After the pediatric residency, they must complete an additional 3-year fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.

Here, they gain in-depth knowledge and experience in diagnosing and managing complex developmental and behavioral issues such as ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience in the field often have a wealth of experience dealing with a wide range of developmental and behavioral conditions.

These professionals often have considerable clinical experience and may have experience supervising or training junior doctors or medical students.

Pediatricians who have more than 10 years of experience may also have experience in research, policy, or advocacy related to developmental-behavioral pediatrics.

These individuals are likely ready for leadership roles within clinics, hospitals, academic institutions, or professional organizations.

Beyond clinical experience, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians also need to be board certified in Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and should have or be eligible for a subspecialty certification in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Education and Training Requirements

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians typically start their education with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine.

The next step is attending medical school, which typically takes four years to complete.

During medical school, students gain a foundation in the sciences and medical knowledge, along with clinical training.

After obtaining their Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, they must complete a three-year residency program in pediatrics.

This residency provides hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses, diseases, and injuries in children.

Following the residency, physicians interested in specializing in developmental-behavioral pediatrics will need to complete a developmental-behavioral pediatric fellowship.

This fellowship generally lasts 3 years and provides specialized training in the evaluation, treatment, and management of developmental and behavioral disorders in children.

In order to practice medicine, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians must be licensed in the state in which they work.

Requirements for licensure generally include completion of medical school, successful completion of residency and fellowship training, and passing a standardized national licensure examination.

Certification by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) in Pediatrics and in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics is highly desirable, and may be required by some employers.

This certification involves passing an exam after completing fellowship training.

Continuing education is essential for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatricians due to the constant advancements and research in medical science, behavioral therapies, and child development.

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Salary Expectations

A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician earns an average salary of $183,000 (USD) per year.

This compensation can significantly vary based on factors such as level of experience, geographical location, and the specifics of the healthcare setting in which they work.

 

Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician and a General Pediatrician?

While both types of pediatricians care for children, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician specializes in child development and behavior.

This means they focus on diagnosing and treating conditions like ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other behavioral and developmental disorders.

General Pediatricians, on the other hand, provide comprehensive care for children, treating a wide range of illnesses and health conditions.

 

What are the daily duties of a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?

On a typical day, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician may conduct patient consultations, perform assessments and diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and counsel families on how to manage their child’s condition.

They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, to provide holistic care for their patients.

 

What qualities make a good Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?

A good Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician is patient and compassionate, as they often work with children who have complex behavioral and developmental issues.

They also need to be excellent communicators, able to explain complex medical information to families in a way they can understand.

Attention to detail is also important, as subtle signs and symptoms can sometimes make the difference in making an accurate diagnosis.

 

What qualifications does a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician need?

A Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician needs to have a medical degree and have completed a pediatric residency.

Following this, they must complete a fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.

They also need to be board certified in Pediatrics and in the subspecialty of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician?

Hiring a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician can be challenging due to the high level of specialization required for this role.

Moreover, there is a relatively small pool of qualified candidates because this is a subspecialty field.

It is important to offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional development and continuing education, to attract the best candidates.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled what it truly means to be a developmental-behavioral pediatrician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about diagnosing and treating children.

It’s about shaping the future, one young mind at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive developmental-behavioral pediatrician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-targeted listings or fine-tuning your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every child you guide is a part of the larger narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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