MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner - Substitute

Educational Svc. • Howard, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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 or Overnight Shift Monday – Friday (12 AM – 8 AM), 8 hour Shifts; or Monday evening – Friday morning (10 PM – 8 AM), 10 hour Shifts. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 the rate of sixty credit hours for the required experience.
• Fluency in American Sign Language is required for this position.
• 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.
• Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the physical, emotional and social aspects of deafness
• Skill in American Sign Language sufficient to permit fluent and accurate communication with students and parents
• Skill in written English sufficient to permit fluent and accurate communication with students and parents who are not proficient in American Sign Language
• 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

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and keep students under direct supervision at all times
• 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
• Monitors students and assists them in complying with daily and weekly schedules of completing homework, sleeping, eating, and performing personal hygiene
• Observes and interacts with students to prevent conflicts and minimize disturbances
• 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
• Documents and reports student problems to the RCYCP Supervisor
• May supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects
• Maintain strict confidentiality of students and school personnel information
• Performs other related duties

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.
• Dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance are available, but the employee will be responsible for the full premium.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED