MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner (Contractual Position)

State of Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits subsidy

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Job summary

Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick, MD seeks Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioners to mentor deaf and hard of hearing students in a dorm setting. The role requires ASL fluency, a high school diploma (or higher), and experience guiding youth in daily living skills.

Positions may be in Second Shift or Overnight Shift, with evenings, nights, weekends, and travel as needed. Strong emphasis on safety, confidentiality, and collaboration with families and campus staff.

Qualifications

• Fluency in American Sign Language required.
• High school diploma or equivalent; higher credentials accepted.
• ASL and written English proficiency expected.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure student safety at all times.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, guiding daily living skills and routines.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and teachers about student progress.
• Provide support for homework, personal hygiene, and dorm life activities.
• Assess emergencies, provide interim assistance, and coordinate with supervisors.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and participate in professional development.

Skills

ASL fluency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Introduction

Anticipated openings for the 2026-2027 School Year. The Maryland School for the Deaf provides an inclusive, language-rich environment for deaf and hard of hearing students from birth through age 21. Rooted in a bilingual education approach, we ensure full access to American Sign Language and English across comprehensive academic, extracurricular, and student life programs. In partnership with families and communities, we empower students to think critically and develop a sense of self and belonging.

This posting will be used to fill anticipated vacancies in both the Second Shift and Overnight Shift. These positions may have one of the following work schedules:

• Second Shift: Sunday (4 PM – 12 AM) and Monday–Thursday (2 PM – 10 PM) (8‑hour shifts); or Monday–Thursday (2 PM – 12 AM) (10‑hour shifts).
• Overnight Shift: Monday–Friday (12 AM – 8 AM) (8‑hour shifts); or Monday evening–Friday morning (10 PM – 8 AM) (10‑hour shifts).

Location of Position

MSD, Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

Main Purpose of Job

A Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner (RCYCP) at the Maryland School for the Deaf provides guidance to deaf and hard of hearing students by serving as a mentor and role model, offering advice and assistance with everyday life skills, and providing referrals to other staff. Employees receive general supervision from an RCYCP Supervisor, School for the Deaf, or a designated administrator. Employees may be asked to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and on other campuses, and may be required to travel to various locations for events such as field trips, workshops, and recreational activities.

Position Duties

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure students’ safety at all times.
• Possess responsibility for the students at all times.
• Make parent/guardian and teacher contact one time a week or as required by supervisor.
• Inform parents of student development through telephone calls, letters, and meetings with the Parent, Teacher, and Counselor.
• Interact with students to offer guidance and discuss their problems as needed, serving as a mentor and role model for their assimilation into the deaf culture.
• Teach and assist students in complying with daily and weekly schedules of completing homework, sleeping, eating, cleanliness of living areas, and performing personal hygiene.
• Document and report student concerns to the RCYCP Supervisor.
• Assess emergency and crisis situations, make appropriate contacts and referrals, and provide interim emergency medical and other assistance until specialized assistance is available.
• Develop, implement, and monitor student activities.
• Maintain weekly reviews of students’ progress/developments in the dorm with the team.
• Participate in the development of educational programs and workshops.
• Supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of students and school personnel information.
• Participate in appropriate professional development.
• Make periodic safety checks of doors and windows of student residences.
• Provide support while traveling to and from events such as extracurricular activities, workshops, and field trips.
• May be subject to call‑in based on staffing needs.
• Perform direct care responsibilities related to activities of daily living, self‑help, and socialization skills in a residential child care program.
• Perform other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Either 21 years old with graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate, OR at least 18 years old with an Associate of Arts degree or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: One year of experience providing guidance to deaf and hard of hearing youth and assisting them with everyday life skills in a student life setting. Candidates may substitute additional education from an accredited college or university at a rate of sixty credit hours for the required experience.
• Fluency in American Sign Language is required.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the physical, emotional and social aspects of deafness.
• Understanding of legal and ethical issues in residential care.
• Post‑secondary training in counseling, child development, or education.
• Experience at a residential school for the deaf or another residential childcare facility.
• Experience in teaching and caring for children and youth with and without disabilities.
• Possession of Maryland medication administration or equivalent certification.
• Ability to learn emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to maintain a dormitory environment conducive to positive student development.
• Ability to work harmoniously with students and with other employees.
• Hold or obtain a valid driver license.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• Employees in this classification will be required to obtain and maintain RCYCP certification.
• Employees may be assigned duties that require the operation of a motor vehicle; those assigned such duties must possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license in Maryland.
• Employees will receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first‑aid training leading to certification; these certifications must be kept current as a requirement of residential childcare licensure by the Maryland Department of Human Services.

Special Requirements

• Proficiency in American Sign Language and written English.
• Pass a medical examination and an annual screening for tuberculosis.
• Subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09.
• Apply for a criminal background check as required by the Family Law Article, Section 5‑551, Annotated Code of Maryland.
• Obtain and maintain Residential Children and Youth Care Practitioner certification within 180 days of hiring and thereafter.
• Complete at least 40 hours of Department of Human Services training annually and 20 hours of continuing education every two years for RCYCP certification.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.

Selection Process

Applications will be prescreened before candidates are invited to an interview. As an equal‑opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who reflect the State’s diversity.

Bargaining Unit Status

In accordance with AFSCME Article 44, all positions advertised as contractual are temporary assignments. Such assignments may include, but are not limited to, short‑term grants, defined temporary projects lasting 24 months or less, emergency basis appointments for 12 months or less, retirees from State service, and positions less than fifty percent (50 %) full‑time equivalent (FTE). Please note that all contractual agreements and staffing allocations are subject to adjustment based on student enrollment and operational needs.

Benefits

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. The State of Maryland will subsidize 75 % of the cost for medical and prescription coverage; employees are responsible for 25 %. Employees may elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, paying the full premium for those benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Further Instructions

Online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online or encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e‑mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time. The preferred method to receive additional information is for them to be uploaded. Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:

• Mailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044.
• E‑mail: [e-mail]
• Phone: 410‑696‑3031; TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
• Fax: 410‑696‑3084.

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal‑opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who reflect the State’s diversity. We thank veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.