MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner - Substitute Contractual Position

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals for the Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner role. This position involves mentoring deaf and hard of hearing students, providing guidance in everyday life skills, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in American Sign Language and experience working with youth. The role offers opportunities to make a significant impact in students' lives while working in a diverse and inclusive community. Join a team committed to educational excellence and personal development in a nurturing atmosphere.

Benefits

Health benefits coverage

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Leave accrual for contractual employees

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or 18 with an AA or BA.
• One year of experience guiding deaf youth in a student life setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and supervise students at all times.
• Communicate with students and provide guidance as a mentor.
• Document and report student issues to the supervisor.

Skills

Fluency in American Sign Language

Guidance to deaf and hard of hearing youth

Communication skills in written English

Ability to learn emergency medical procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate of Arts degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Introduction

Anticipated openings for the 2025-2026 School Year. The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community who 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. As such, we are looking for dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at MSD. We are currently accepting applications to create a pool of qualified individuals who can work on an as-needed basis to temporarily assist in the Dorm program on any given day.

LOCATION OF POSITION

MSD, Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Main Purpose of Job

A Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner (RCYCP) at the Maryland School for the Deaf is the full performance level of work providing 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 at the Maryland School for the Deaf. Employees receive general supervision from a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner Supervisor, School for the Deaf, or from a designated administrator. Employees may be required to travel to various locations for events such as field trips, workshops, and recreational activities. Employees may be asked to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

POSITION DUTIES

1. Maintain a safe environment and keep students under direct supervision at all times;
2. Communicates with students to discuss their problems and offer them guidance, and serves as a mentor and role model for their assimilation into the deaf culture;
3. Monitors students and assists them in complying with daily and weekly schedules of completing homework, sleeping, eating, and performing personal hygiene;
4. Observes and interacts with students to prevent conflicts and minimize disturbances;
5. Under the direction of the supervisor, devises and dispenses rewards and punishments within specified guidelines to ensure students comply with Maryland School for the Deaf rules and policies;
6. Documents and reports student problems to the RCYCP Supervisor;
7. May supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects;
8. Maintain strict confidentiality of students and school personnel information;
9. Performs other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Must be 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 possession of 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. Fluency in American Sign Language required. Note: Candidates may substitute additional education from an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of the physical, emotional and social aspects of deafness;
2. Skill in American Sign Language sufficient to permit fluent and accurate communication with students and parents;
3. Skill in written English sufficient to permit fluent and accurate communication with students and parents who are not proficient in American Sign Language;
4. Ability to learn emergency medical procedures;
5. Ability to maintain a dormitory environment conducive to positive student development;
6. Ability to work harmoniously with students and with other employees.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Employees in this classification will be required to obtain and maintain RCYCP certification.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
3. Employees in this classification will be trained 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

1. Employees in this classification are required to be proficient in American Sign Language and in written English.
2. Employees in this classification will be required to pass a medical examination and an annual screening for tuberculosis as a requirement of residential child care licensure by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
3. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulations 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
4. Employees in this classification will be required to apply for a criminal background check as a requirement of the Family Law Article, Section 5-551, Annotated Code of Maryland.
5. Candidates will need to 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 are reflective of the State's diversity.

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. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online or if you 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: [phone], TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
Fax: [phone]

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 are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.