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Adaptive Skills Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Adaptive Skills Trainer information

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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

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Requirements

Location: Burbank, CA

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 11:30am-3:30pm

Pay: $25.00-$28.00 hr

Adaptive Skills


As an Adaptive Skills Trainer at JNCS: You help individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities live quality lives with dignity, independence, and choice. On an average day, DSPs support people to build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and accomplish their personal, educational, and career goals.


DSPs are more than just caregivers: Unlike a caregiver, DSPs encourage people to do things themselves, not do things for them. Ultimately, your goal is to empower people to live independently so they can live happier, more fulfilled lives.


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. 

Documentation/Compliance piece:

Adhere to JNCS's mission, values, and all DDS/Regional Center compliance requirements.

Maintain service records which include daily notes, progress data, and incident documentation, in compliance with JNCS policies and Regional Center standards.

Submit session documentation within required time-frames to support billing under the assigned Regional Center authorization (service code 605).

Complete Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements for all in-home service delivery sessions. 

Support progress report preparation for Semi-Annual reviews by providing consistent, measurable data on the individuals' goals. 

Maintain regular communication with the supervising Adaptive Skills Training Professional regarding Individual progress, barriers, and plan adjustments.

Collaborate with Service Coordinators, family members, and other care team members to ensure consistency of support across environments.

Participate in IPP meetings and training sessions as requested 

Key Responsibilities:

  Implement the individual's Support Plan as developed.

  Provide support and supervision commensurate with the assigned individual's identified support needs.

  Provide the necessary accommodations to support an individual with various challenges (behavioral, physical, communication, etc.) within their home and community.

  Support the individual to establish a daily/weekly schedule of activities.

  Assist the individual to participate in age-appropriate, culturally normative activities within the individual's home and community to promote meaningful participation, a sense of belonging, and membership.

  Provide feedback and intervention as specified in the Individual Support Plan.

  Act as a mentor and role model for socially acceptable and culturally valued ways to interact and support each other to be successful.

  Participate hands-on in all activities.

  Document the individual's progress towards identified outcome indicators through data collection and anecdotal notes. 

  Maintain ongoing meetings with the Supervisor at a minimum of once each month.

  Assist and support the person to maintain their own personal safety and well-being.

  Introduce the assigned individual to new activities and people within the context of the Support Plan.

  Provide information to family members about the unique needs of the individual to assist in the building of a more cohesive family unit.

  Understand cultural and family dynamics as they interplay with developing and meeting instructional milestones.

  Utilize appropriate non-invasive, non-intrusive methods of support.

  Cooperatively develop with the supervisor an Individualized Training Plan to further personal growth and skill development required to support individuals with complex support needs.

  Complete all documentation comprehensively in accordance with the supervisor's requirements.

  Submit all required documentation in accordance with specified timelines.

  Attend all scheduled meetings.

  Comply with all policies and procedures of the organization and public locations of activities.

  Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications:

  Education and Experience: Adaptive Skills-605 services require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field required.

  Knowledge of appropriate, non-invasive behavioral supports.

  Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis preferred but not required. 

  Valid Driver's License, working vehicle, and proof of insurance. 

  Exhibit knowledge of Positive Behavioral Supports, Person-Centered Planning, and the understanding that all behavior is communicating an unmet need.

  Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively.

  Strong customer, quality, and results presentation.

  Ability to interact effectively at all levels and across diverse cultures.

  Ability to be an effective team member.

  Excellent working knowledge of technology, including Smartphone Apps.

  Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

  Outstanding time management skills.

  Ability to proactively plan.

  Excellent conflict resolution skills.

  Highly reliable transportation with valid driver's license and vehicle insurance.

  Minimum 1 year of experience with developmental disabilities

  Knowledge of appropriate, non-invasive behavioral support

  Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports, Person-Centered Planning, and the understanding that all behavior is communicating an unmet need

  Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively


Preferred Qualifications:

Direct Support Professionals must have a bachelor's degree in education, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, applied behavior analysis, behavioral medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable degree in the human services field

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