Student Support Specialist

Job Title:Student Support Specialist
Department:
Educational & Residential

Reports to:

Principal & Residential Director
Classification:
Non-Exempt, Year-Round & Hourly

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.

• 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.

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.

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…