MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner (Contractual Position)

State of Maryland; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner to support deaf and hard of hearing students in a nurturing environment. This role involves mentoring, providing life skills guidance, and ensuring student safety at all times. With a focus on personal excellence, you'll engage with students, families, and staff to create an inclusive educational experience. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young learners and possess the required qualifications, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health benefits for 30+ hours/week

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Accidental death insurance

Leave accrual

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalency.
• One year of experience guiding deaf and hard of hearing youth.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure student safety.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students.
• Document and report student concerns.

Skills

Fluency in American Sign Language

Guiding deaf and hard of hearing youth

Communication skills

Crisis management

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associate's or Bachelor's degree

Tools

CPR and first-aid certification

RCYCP certification

Job description

Introduction

Anticipated openings for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community that, in partnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a nurturing, engaging, and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve personal excellence and become lifelong learners. We are looking for dedicated individuals to join us in the education of the children at MSD.

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 a RCYCP Supervisor, School for the Deaf, or a designated administrator. The role may require working evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and traveling to various locations for events such as field trips, workshops, and recreational activities.

Position Duties

1. Maintain a safe environment and ensure student safety at all times.
2. Take responsibility for students at all times.
3. Make weekly contact with parents/guardians and teachers, or as required by the supervisor.
4. Inform parents of student development through calls, letters, and meetings with parents, teachers, and counselors.
5. Interact with students to offer guidance, discuss problems, and serve as a mentor and role model for their integration into deaf culture.
6. Teach and assist students in following daily and weekly routines, including homework, sleep, eating, cleanliness, and personal hygiene.
7. Document and report student concerns to the RCYCP Supervisor.
8. Assess emergency and crisis situations, make appropriate contacts and referrals, and provide interim assistance until specialized help arrives.
9. Develop, implement, and monitor student activities.
10. Maintain weekly reviews of students' progress in the dorm with the team.
11. Participate in developing educational programs and workshops.
12. Provide tutoring in academic subjects as needed.
13. Maintain confidentiality of students and staff information.
14. Participate in professional development.
15. Perform safety checks of student residences periodically.
16. Support students during travel to and from activities, workshops, and field trips.
17. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Must be 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalency, or at least 18 with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Experience: One year of guiding deaf and hard of hearing youth in a student setting. Additional education can substitute for experience at the rate of 60 credit hours per year of experience. Fluency in American Sign Language is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of deafness's physical, emotional, and social aspects; understanding of legal and ethical issues; post-secondary training in counseling, child development, or education; experience in residential settings for the deaf or children with disabilities; possession of Maryland medication administration certification; ability to learn emergency medical procedures; ability to maintain a positive dorm environment; ability to work harmoniously with students and staff; valid driver’s license.

Licenses and Certifications

• RCYCP certification (must be obtained within 180 days of hire and maintained).
• Valid Maryland driver’s license if operating a vehicle.
• CPR and first-aid certification, kept current.

Special Requirements

• Proficiency in American Sign Language and written English.
• Pass a medical exam and tuberculosis screening annually.
• Subject to substance abuse testing.
• Criminal background check required.
• At least 40 hours of DHS training annually and 20 hours of CEU every two years for RCYCP certification.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.

Selection Process

Applications will be prescreened before interviews. MSD is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Bargaining Unit Status

Positions are temporary, possibly including short-term grants, emergency appointments, or less than 50% FTE.

Benefits

Contractual employees working 30+ hours/week may be eligible for health benefits, with employees responsible for 25% of premiums. Other benefits include dental, life, and accidental death insurance. Leave accrues at one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours/year.

Further Instructions

Online applications are preferred. If unable, applications can be mailed, emailed, faxed, or delivered in person before the deadline. Include your name and recruitment number. Resumes alone are not accepted. Additional information should be uploaded. For inquiries: Mail: MSD Recruitment, P.O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044; Email: [e-mail]; Phone: [phone]; TTY: Maryland Relay; Fax: [phone]. Diversity and bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service and encourage their application.