Direct Support Professional - Paraeducator

Paraeducator — Do Work That Truly Matters

If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real, human impact every single day, becoming a Paraeducator at Crotched Mountain School could be your place to shine. You will support students (up to age 22) with significant neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities as they build communication, independence, and confidence. Some students are non-speaking. Many rely on caring, consistent adults to help them navigate their world—and that’s where you come in.

About Crotched Mountain School...

Nestled in the beautiful Monadnock region of New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain School offers a therapeutic and adventure-based environment for learners. Our expansive campus features hiking trails, lakes, an Olympic-sized pool, a media center, a bowling alley, and a panoramic library — all designed to help students grow socially, academically, and emotionally.

Over the past three years, Seven Hills has been revitalizing this historic program: expanding services, welcoming new students, and building a passionate team of clinicians, educators, and caregivers who make extraordinary things possible for youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

What You’ll Do as a Paraeducator (Overview)...

• Support 1–2 students in the classroom and throughout daily routines
• Implement IEPs and behavior plans with guidance from a multidisciplinary team
• Build creative, compassionate connections, including with nonverbal students
• Celebrate all progress, from small steps to major breakthroughs
• Provide hands-on support, including personal care (toileting, hygiene, dressing)
• Actively participating in student activities including classroom work, swimming, hiking, bowling, playground fun, assisting with mobility, lifting (up to 50 lbs), etc., and ensuring student safety
• 2nd level paraeducators may also support other staff in best practices, training, leading, etc.

What to Expect as a Paraeducator at CMS (The Real, Important Part)...

This role is equal parts heartwarming, fast-paced, and “did that really just happen?” We believe in being upfront—this job will challenge you, grow you, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

• A lively environment: Classrooms can be busy and sometimes loud— think less “library vibes” and more “organized chaos with a purpose.” We don’t do “dull moments” here at CMS!
• Supporting complex behaviors: Some students communicate through behaviors, including aggression or attempts to leave the area. You’ll be trained to respond safely and effectively, with consistent team support and clear plans in place.
• A wide range of students: You’ll work with everyone from fast-moving elementary students to teens and young adults. The role can be physically demanding, so staying engaged, aware, and ready to move is essential.
• Hands-on care (ADLs): You’ll assist with personal care and daily living needs—meaningful, essential work that requires compassion, respect, and adaptability.
• Residential schedule: In this residential school setting, you’ll support students both at school and in group homes—helping them get ready in the morning and working with them in the group homes during holidays, snow days, and school breaks. (Don’t worry, holidays are paid extra and we do our best to work with you to get your most valued holidays off. We also have school-only schedules, working only in the school with no work on holidays, vacations, snow days, etc. )

What You Bring...

• At least 21 years of age (18 if in the school-only schedule)
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Comfort supporting individuals with significant needs and behaviors
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain active throughout the day

Plus ONE of the following (Does NOT apply to school-only paraeducators):

• 2 years (3,000 hours) of verifiable experience working directly with children or adults in a similar setting,
• OR being the parent and full-time caregiver of a child age 7 or older,
• OR having an Associate degree or higher with at least 12 credits in a related field (education, psychology, sociology, human services, etc.)

Schedule & Pay...

• Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• $20.00 (Para I) –$21.00 (Para II) per hour (based on education)

Your Seven Hills Benefits...

• $2,000 sign-on bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match of 25-33% based on years of service
• 3 weeks PTO (accrued), plus sick time and 3 personal days, 11 paid holidays (PTO differs for school-only paraeducators)
• Paid orientation and training
• Student loan assistance & paid education (tuition, certifications, licensure, etc.)
• PSLF-eligible nonprofit employer
• EAP, FSA/HSA, life insurance, parental leave, home mortgage program, professional development assistance, referral program, legal insurance, pet insurance, and more

Are you ready to turn your job into a truly rewarding career? Apply now and open the door to possibilities.