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Adaptive Skills Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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The role of the trainer is to provide adaptive skills training to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Trainers will be assigned a workload that may consist of 1-10 clients each with ...

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The role of the trainer is to provide adaptive skills training to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Trainers will be assigned a workload that may consist of 1-10 clients each with ...

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Adaptive Skills Trainer information

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$13

$24

$36

How much do adaptive skills trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for adaptive skills trainer in the United States is $24.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges adaptive skills trainers face when working with clients, and how are these typically managed?

Adaptive Skills Trainers often encounter challenges such as varying client motivation levels, communication barriers, and the need to tailor teaching methods for diverse learning abilities. Managing these challenges involves employing patience, creativity, and flexibility in instructional approaches, as well as collaborating closely with other professionals like occupational therapists, caregivers, and family members. Regular team meetings and ongoing training help trainers stay equipped to address client needs and ensure consistent progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an adaptive skills trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adaptive Skills Trainer, you generally need a background in psychology, education, or social work, often supported by relevant certifications or a degree in a related field. Familiarity with individualized education plans (IEPs), behavioral intervention techniques, and data collection tools is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and cultural sensitivity are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively teaching life skills, fostering client independence, and adapting strategies to meet diverse individual needs.

What is an adaptive skills trainer?

Adaptive Skills Trainers are professionals who work with individuals—often children or adults with developmental disabilities—to help them develop essential life skills. These trainers focus on teaching practical abilities such as communication, social interaction, self-care, and problem-solving to promote independence and improve quality of life. They typically use structured techniques, individualized plans, and ongoing assessment to support their clients’ progress. Adaptive Skills Trainers may work in schools, residential facilities, or community settings and often collaborate with families and other support professionals.

What is the difference between Adaptive Skills Trainer vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectAdaptive Skills TrainerOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications in adaptive skills training are commonRequires a master's degree in occupational therapy and state licensure
Work EnvironmentSchools, community centers, private settings, and specialized programsHospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers
Employer & IndustryEducational and community-based organizationsHealthcare and rehabilitation industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles supporting daily living skillsMore clinical, focused on therapy and medical intervention

While both roles support individuals with developmental or physical challenges, Adaptive Skills Trainers focus on teaching daily living skills in educational or community settings, often with less formal clinical training. Occupational Therapists provide comprehensive medical assessments and therapy, typically within healthcare environments. The roles complement each other but differ mainly in credentials, scope, and work setting.

More about Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs
What cities are hiring for Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs? Cities with the most Adaptive Skills Trainer job openings:
What states have the most Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs? States with the most job openings for Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Adaptive Skills Trainer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Adaptive Skills Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, and 45% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,453 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

$25 - $28/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements

Location: Santa Clara

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday Friday 9am- 4pm

Language: English

Pay Range: $25.00 - $28.00

Program: Adaptive Skills


Reporting to the Supervisor, the Adaptive Skills Trainer will provide individualized Instruction, assistance, and support to assigned individuals in support services as determined by the Adaptive Skills Administrative and Clinical Teams. This role includes community engagement with neurodiverse individuals, and families to build relationships. The Adaptive Skills Trainer should have excellent communication skills which are essential to support a team that delivers high-quality, person-centered services.

Responsibilities:

  •  Implement individualized adaptive skills training plans developed
  •  Provide direct, hands-on instruction in identified skill areas, including:
  • Safety skills and community navigation
  • Hygiene, dressing, and grooming routines
  • Toileting and feeding skills (including picky eating and sensory-based food issues)
  •  Housekeeping and home management
  • Food purchasing and meal preparation
  • Technology access and use
  • Communication and social functioning
  • Choice-making and self-advocacy
  • Assist individuals with challenges as directed by the supervising professional
  • Deliver services in the individual's home, workplace, and/or community settings, as authorized.
  • Promote generalization of skills across settings, people, and situations
  • Apply evidence-based instructional strategies aligned with consumer needs and IPP goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Health & Human Services

Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities (personal or professional) preferred but not required.

Depending on position, may require a valid driver's license, reliable transportation & current auto insurance

Benefits:

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Retirement plan with company matching

Paid CPR & First Aid Training

Childcare Assistance Reimbursement

Pet Insurance and much more!


About us: Jay Nolan Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide individualized support to children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities so that they may live, work and thrive in their own homes and in their community. We are an inclusive, supportive, and community-oriented workplace.


Jay Nolan Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.


Employment Type: PART_TIME