STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Student Support Specialist
Department: Educational & Residential
Reports to: Principal & Residential Director
Classification: Non-Exempt, Year-Round & Hourly

Overview

Pine Haven Boys Center is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian residential and educational facility serving boys ages 6–14 who have experienced trauma, neglect, and behavioral or emotional challenges. Set on 100+ acres in Allenstown, NH—just 10 minutes south of Concord and 15 minutes north of Manchester—our intensive therapeutic and academic programs help students grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

We are seeking a compassionate, patient, and reliable Student Support Specialist to join our team. This position primarily serves as a paraprofessional within our educational program during the academic year, providing classroom, behavioral, and instructional support to students. To ensure continuous, year-round employment, the position transitions to the residential program during school vacations, holidays, and summer break, where staff provide supervision, mentoring, and therapeutic support to residents. This role offers a unique opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students across both educational and residential settings while developing skills in special education, behavioral health, and youth development.

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Demonstrates patience, empathy, and consistency in all interactions.
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
• Works collaboratively with educators, clinicians, and residential staff to support individualized student goals.
• Uses proactive strategies to support positive behavior and student success.
• Remains calm and composed under pressure, utilizing de-escalation techniques effectively.
• Demonstrates flexibility in supporting students across both educational and residential environments.
• Builds positive therapeutic relationships that promote growth, accountability, and resilience.

Key Responsibilities

Educational Paraprofessional Responsibilities

• Support teachers in classroom instruction, lesson implementation, and classroom management.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group support to students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support plans, and classroom accommodations.
• Monitor and document student progress, behaviors, and engagement.
• Support student transitions, routines, and daily activities while modeling appropriate social and emotional skills.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Supervise students during meals, recess, transitions, and other school activities.
• Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and administrators to promote student success.

Residential Support Responsibilities (School Breaks and Summer)

• Supervise and support students in the residential setting while maintaining safety, structure, and consistency.
• Model and teach life skills such as hygiene, responsibility, communication, and positive peer interaction.
• Participate in structured recreational, therapeutic, and community activities.
• Support daily routines, including meals, recreation, chores, and evening programming.
• Assist with behavioral interventions and crisis management when necessary.
• Complete required documentation and communicate observations to the treatment team.
• Support transportation and community-based activities as assigned.

Professional Development & Teamwork

• Build and maintain positive therapeutic relationships with students.
• Attend team meetings and contribute to treatment and educational planning.
• Complete required certifications, including CPI, CPR, and First Aid (training provided).
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program needs and organizational goals.

Schedule

This is a full-time, year-round position with responsibilities shared between Pine Haven's educational and residential programs. This structure provides continuous full-time employment while supporting students throughout the entire calendar year.

• School Year: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, serving primarily as a paraprofessional within the educational program.
• School Vacations, Holidays, and Summer Break: Assigned to the residential program, with shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on program needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Direct care staff shall be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, or general equivalency diploma, and meet one of the following pre-service training and education requirements:

1. An associate's or higher degree with a minimum of 12 credits in the field of human services, education, psychology, social work, or another field related to residential care;
2. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with children, either as a paid employee or volunteer, including work as a paraprofessional in a public or private school;
3. Any combination of college credits in human services, education, or related fields and experience with children that totals 2 years;
4. Documentation of 7 years of parenting experience; or
5. The equivalent of 2 years of full-time experience working with adults in a licensed residential setting.

Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Experience working with children with emotional, behavioral, or educational challenges preferred.
• Ability to support positive behavior interventions and classroom management strategies.
• Ability to de-escalate crises verbally and intervene physically if required.
• Ability to obtain CPI, CPR, and First Aid certification (training provided).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays during residential assignments.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position located on Pine Haven Boys Center's residential treatment campus in Allenstown, NH. The role primarily involves supporting students within a therapeutic educational setting during the academic year and providing direct care and supervision within the residential program during school breaks and summer months.

Success in this position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with students while maintaining safety, structure, and therapeutic consistency across multiple environments. The position requires active engagement with students, collaboration with multidisciplinary staff, participation in recreational and educational activities, and the ability to respond effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced setting.