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Life Skills Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join Us as a Skills Instructor As a Skills Instructor, you'll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, providing coaching and support to develop essential life skills and increase ...

Skills Instructor

Martinez, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Join Us as a Skills Instructor As a Skills Instructor, you'll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, providing coaching and support to develop essential life skills and increase ...

Skills Instructor

Martinez, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Join Us as a Skills Instructor As a Skills Instructor, you'll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, providing coaching and support to develop essential life skills and increase ...

Responsibilities** - Provide direct care and support to individuals with IDD - Assist with classroom activities, basic life skills, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and participate in ...

Showing results 41-60

Life Skills Instructor information

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$12

$19

$31

How much do life skills instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for life skills instructor in the United States is $19.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a life skills instructor?

Life Skills Instructors are professionals who teach individuals practical skills needed for daily living and independence. They may work with children, adults, or individuals with disabilities to develop abilities such as communication, money management, personal hygiene, cooking, and social interaction. Their goal is to empower clients to function more independently and confidently in various aspects of life. Life Skills Instructors often work in schools, community centers, rehabilitation facilities, or group homes, tailoring instruction to each person's needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a life skills instructor?

To thrive as a Life Skills Instructor, you need a background in education, social work, or psychology, along with experience in teaching or mentoring individuals in practical daily living skills. Familiarity with curriculum design, assessment tools, and sometimes certifications in behavior management or special education are typically used in this role. Patience, strong interpersonal communication, and the ability to motivate and encourage learners are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure instructors can effectively support diverse learners in gaining independence and confidence in their daily lives.

What challenges do life skills instructors face and how can they be managed?

Life Skills Instructors often work with individuals who have diverse learning needs and backgrounds, which can present challenges in communication, engagement, and adapting lesson plans. Building strong rapport and trust with participants is essential for success, as is maintaining flexibility to adjust teaching strategies based on individual progress. Collaborating closely with other support staff and regularly participating in team meetings can help instructors share insights, troubleshoot challenges, and develop effective solutions together.

What is the difference between Life Skills Instructor vs Behavior Technician?

AspectLife Skills InstructorBehavior Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in life skills coaching or related areas often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification in behavior analysis (e.g., RBT) typically required
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, community programs, rehabilitation centersABA therapy settings, clinics, homes, schools
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, community organizationsHealthcare providers, behavioral health agencies, autism centers

While both roles focus on supporting individuals' development, Life Skills Instructors primarily teach daily living skills and independence, whereas Behavior Technicians implement behavior intervention plans based on ABA therapy. The roles often overlap in working with similar populations but differ in certification requirements and specific job functions.

More about Life Skills Instructor jobs
What states have the most Life Skills Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Life Skills Instructor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Life Skills Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,412 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Empowering Independence. Upholding Dignity.
At DABS, Inc., we provide comprehensive skills training and supported living services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2005, we've been empowering individuals to lead more independent lives-through advocacy, innovation, and unwavering commitment. We believe in showing up-especially when things get hard. Dignity is our guiding principle, and as demand for our services grows, so does our resolve to ensure every person we serve is respected, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Join Us as a Skills Instructor
As a Skills Instructor, you'll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, providing coaching and support to develop essential life skills and increase community integration by promoting positive, adaptive behaviors.
What You'll Do
  • Provide person-centered instruction to build essential daily living skills, soft skills, and promote community integration.
  • Implement evidence-based strategies (e.g., ABA) to teach positive coping skills, proactively address behavioral needs, and resolve conflicts.
  • Ensure the safety, health, and security of the client across all settings (home, vehicle, community) and manage crisis situations as needed.
  • Actively engage clients to encourage healthy socialization and positive interactions with peers, family, and the wider community.
  • Maintain accurate, professional documentation and records of client progress, incidents, and administrative requirements (e.g., case notes, shift logs).
What You Bring
  • A caring heart and a commitment to helping others live with dignity and independence.
  • Experience or a strong willingness to learn and implement behavioral intervention techniques and structured support plans.
  • Experience with adults with developmental disabilities is a plus-but if you bring passion and dedication, we'll provide the training.
  • Reliable transportation to and from work.
  • A valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and insurance.
  • Willingness to undergo a state and federal fingerprint background check.
  • CPR Certification and a recent TB test (we can help you obtain both if needed).
What We Offer
  • Monday through Friday, Day hours
  • Full and part-time positions available - let us know what works best for you
  • Paid sick leave
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Opportunities for growth and training
$20 - $30 an hour
Why DABS?
You'll be a valued member of a mission-driven team that believes in doing good work, for the right reasons, with the right support.





DABS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].
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About DABS

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Pinole, CA, US

Year founded

2005