Direct Support Professional I - Paraeducator

Direct Support Professional I - Paraeducator

Pay: $20.00/hour

sign-on bonus: $2,000 (50% paid at 6 months and 50% paid at 12 months)

Schedule: Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 3:00pm

Looking to start (or grow) a meaningful career where you can make a real difference every single day? 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—no cape required, but it wouldn’t hurt.

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

Benefits 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)

What You'll Do:

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

Core 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

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.

• High school diploma/GED/HiSET required

• Standard driver’s license – class C or class D

• 1 – 3 years of related experience