Mansfield Hall·Burlington, Vermont
The Life Skills Coach supports neurodivergent young adults by providing structure, accountability, and coaching in daily living, executive functioning, and self-advocacy. Responsibilities include facilitating workshops, managing student progress documentation, and assisting with practical tasks like budgeting, meal planning, and medication management.
What We're Building Mansfield Hall is a living and learning community for neurodivergent college students, students who are capable of college but not yet fully ready for total independence. We organize the work around four areas: Living (independent living skills), Learning (academic and executive functioning), Giving (community involvement), and Engaging (social and emotional growth). Coaches are how all four of those actually happen. Not in a classroom, in the moment, every day.
What You'll Actually Do Coach students through independent living skills, executive functioning, personal responsibility, and daily follow-through Work directly with students on life skills such as cleaning, hygiene, budgeting, grocery shopping, meal planning, time management, and organization Meet individually with students and facilitate small group sessions that support independent living skill development Support students with medication management according to Mansfield Hall procedures Document student observations, progress, concerns, and areas of growth in a clear and timely way Support the Director of Student Life with case management, including planning, implementing, and evaluating student goals Use campus and community resources to promote learning, confidence, social connection, and skill-building Use Collaborative Problem Solving when student actions and program expectations are not aligned
Why This Might Not Be the Job for You You prefer work that is predictable, desk-based, or focused on one narrow area of responsibility You get frustrated when students need repeated coaching before a skill becomes consistent You prefer to solve problems for people rather than helping them build the skills to solve problems themselves You struggle to maintain boundaries when someone is disappointed, upset, avoidant, or pushing back You believe independent living skills are common sense rather than skills that often need to be taught and reinforced
What You Bring Bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences or a related field At least one year of direct experience in coaching, residential life, student support, or a related field, working with young adults with diverse learning needs Strong ability to build professional relationships with students, colleagues, families, and campus partners Strong communication, documentation, organization, and follow-through skills Ability to support students with professionalism, patience, care, and clear expectations
Compensation & Benefits This role pays $22/hr. Alongside your hourly wage, full-time coaches at Mansfield Hall also receive: Medical insurance, with the premium cost shared between Mansfield Hall and the employee, plus an HSA option Dental and vision coverage Employer-funded wellness dollars Free meals and drinks during your shift Cell phone and internet support 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% employer match Paid time off, plus paid winter break Disability and life insurance coverage Work expense reimbursement
How We Interview We believe candidates and Mansfield Hall both do better with the fullest possible picture of each other, so it's common for three to four people to be part of your interview process. That's not meant to be intimidating, it's meant to give everyone real information before anyone commits. A 30 minute phone screen One to two structured interviews, in person or virtual depending on availability and geographic location Reference and background checks An offer
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences or a related field and possess at least one year of experience in coaching, student support, or human services. Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills are required to effectively support students and collaborate with the program team.
Market context
In Vermont, life skills coach roles are often tied to student support, special education, and community-based services, so demand tends to follow school and program staffing needs. These positions can be competitive because employers usually look for a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences or a related field plus experience tutoring, coaching, or supporting learners with diverse needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then tailor your application to show direct student-support experience and flexibility across settings.
