Support Specialist

***This job will be located in Berlin, VT or Montpelier, VT***

At The New School of Montpelier (NSM), you’ll find a welcoming community, opportunities to grow professionally, a supportive working environment, and one on one trained staff. Join our passionate team of educators and support staff who believe every individual has limitless potential.

Who is NSM? We are a student centered, employee owned cooperative, year round therapeutic school for students 5-22, and adult Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Support Provider. We create learning communities with a culture of safety and belonging committed to preparing individuals with unique and complex challenges for successful lives.

Mission: NSM is a learning community committed to preparing individuals with unique and complex challenges for successful lives. We use evidence based practices to promote independence, communication, social/emotional skills and academic growth, within a culture of safety and belonging.

Position: Located in the beautiful Vermont countryside on an old farm in West Berlin VT, NSM is currently seeking individuals to fill our young adult Support Specialist positions. The position entails supporting our Participants in community integration and life skills such as: working with them at their places of employment, cleaning, cooking and self care skills, personal interests and hobbies, social skills, outdoor and physical activities.

Qualifications: Minimum of a high school diploma. Life experience after high school and successful experience working with children and/or people with disabilities preferred.

Other requirements for this position include:

• Ability and expectation to participate in recreational activities such as biking, hiking, walks, swimming, PE classes, etc.
• Comply with all policies and procedures in the NSM Employee Handbook and Student and Family Handbook.
• Participate in all required meetings and trainings
• Implement strategies and interventions in behavior support
• Assist with daily living tasks, support in the community, and in vocational settings.
• Must be able to respond to physical interventions
• Transportation of participants to and from pick up locations and out in the community on a daily basis. A valid driver’s license, current vehicle inspection and car insurance is required. Mileage reimbursement paid at the federal rate. 

Compensation & Benefits: We are seeking a qualified candidate for a full-time, 222-day position, including 12 paid holidays and 13 paid personal days off as part of the annual school calendar.

This position offers a pay plus benefits package totalling between $43,977 to $47,927 for the 2025–2026 school year, based on qualifications and experience.

Current Pay Plus Benefits Package Includes:

• Pay Range: $31,219 – $34,965
• Employer-Paid Benefits*: $12,758 – $12,962
  *health insurance or health stipend, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan with employer match.

*Effective through June 30, 2026 with total pay plus benefits package increasing to $46,172 - $54,949 effective July 1, 2026. 

The New School of Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are a student centered, employee owned cooperative, year round therapeutic school for students 5-22, and adult Intellectual Developmental Disabilities Support Provider. We create learning communities with a culture of safety and belonging committed to preparing individuals with unique and complex challenges for successful lives.

Mission: NSM is a learning community committed to preparing individuals with unique and complex challenges for successful lives. We use evidence based practices to promote independence, communication, social/emotional skills and academic growth, within a culture of safety and belonging.