Direct Support Professional I - Paraeducator

About Crotched Mountain School

Crotched Mountain School (CMS) provides innovative special education, vocational, and therapeutic programming for students ages 5–21 on the autism spectrum and/or with complex disabilities. Licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Education and the Certification for Child Care Licensing Unit, CMS delivers highly individualized instruction in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. Students can also participate in residential and experiential programming through Crotched Mountain Village, featuring vocational training, recreation, community outings, and life skills development—all on a scenic campus designed for growth and exploration.

About the Role

Join Seven Hills Foundation's Crotched Mountain School as a Direct Support Professional I – Paraeducator and help students build skills, confidence, and independence in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. As a DSP I – Paraeducator, you’ll provide essential, hands-on support to students with a wide range of abilities. Working alongside teachers and specialists, you’ll help implement individualized education and behavior plans, assist with daily activities, and create a safe, inclusive environment where students can succeed. This is a great entry point into education, human services, or behavioral health.

Responsibilities

• Classroom & Educational Support
  • Assist teachers in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and behavior plans
  • Support students one-on-one or in small groups to reinforce learning
  • Help adapt instructional strategies to meet individual student needs
  • Collect and track student progress data under staff direction
• Student Engagement & Daily Activities
  • Support students throughout the school day (classroom, lunch, recess, transitions, arrival/dismissal)
  • Assist with social skill development and peer interaction
  • Accompany students in all activities, including school events and programming
  • Help facilitate socialization and inclusion
• Environment & Safety
  • Maintain a consistent, structured, and safe classroom environment
  • Support school-wide safety goals and behavioral expectations
  • Respond to student needs using appropriate crisis intervention techniques
• Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with teachers, behavior specialists, and the multidisciplinary team
  • Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development
  • Follow guidance from supervisors and education leaders
  • Take on additional duties as needed to support student success

Skills

• Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to stay calm and responsive in challenging situations
• Interest in working with students with autism and diverse learning needs
• Willingness to learn and grow in a supportive environment

Benefits

For Full-time Employees

• Health Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with generous company contribution
• Enhanced Retirement Plan: 25% - 33% Employer match based on tenure
• Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution
• Discounted Tuition: With College & University Partnerships
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework
• Home Mortgage Initiative: Favorable down payment (3-5%), reduced closing costs co-paid by Seven Hills
• Work-Life Balance
  • Generous Accrued Paid Vacation: 3 weeks in your first year
  • Vacation Cash-Out Option
  • 3 Paid Personal Days
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Accrued Paid Sick Time

For Part-time Employees

• Accrued Paid Sick Time
• Enhanced Retirement Plan: 25% - 33% Employer match (Minimum of 20 worked hours per week)
• Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation and free debt counseling
• Personal PTO (Minimum 20-hour regular part-time schedule - does not apply to per diem)

Pay

$20.00/hour

Schedule

Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 3:00pm, with no work on days that school is closed (holidays, school vacations, snow days, etc.)