MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner Contractual Position

About the Role

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: 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 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 RCYCP Supervisor, School for the Deaf, or from a designated administrator. Employees might be asked to work evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and on other campuses. Employees may be required to travel to various locations for events such as field trips, workshops, and recreational activities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and ensure of student's safety at all times
• Possess responsibility for the students at all times
• Make parents/guardian and teacher contact 1 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 them guidance and discuss their problems as needed, and serves as a mentor and role model for their assimilation into the deaf culture
• Teach and assist student in complying with daily and weekly schedules of completing homework, sleeping, eating, cleanliness of their living areas and performing personal hygiene
• Document and report and review 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 on student's progress/developments in the dorm with team
• May participate in the development of educational programs and workshops
• May supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects
• Maintain strict confidentiality of students and school personnel information
• Participate in appropriate professional development
• May 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
• Employees may be subject to call-in based on staffing needs
• Individuals who are assigned to perform the 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: 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.

Note: Candidates may substitute additional education from an accredited college or university at the rate of sixty credit hours for the required experience.

Fluency in American Sign Language is required for this position.

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
• Possess 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 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
• 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

• Employees in this classification are required to be proficient in American Sign Language and in written English
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Employees in this classification are required to obtain Residential Children and Youth Care Practitioner certification (within 180 days of hiring) and maintain the certification
• Employees in this classification are required to have at least 40 hours of Department of Human Service (DHS) training hours annually and 20 hours of Continuing Education (CEU) every two years for their RCYCP certification
• Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation

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 at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

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