MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner - Substitute

Educational Svc. • Howard, MD

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland School for the Deaf is accepting applications to establish a pool of qualified substitutes for anticipated openings during the 2026–2027 school year, from September 2026 through January 2027. Substitutes provide temporary, as-needed coverage in the dorm at the Columbia Campus. Openings may be on the Second Shift or Overnight Shift, with schedules of either 8 or 10 hours. Employees may be asked to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and may need to travel for field trips, workshops, and recreational activities.

A Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner provides guidance to deaf and hard of hearing students, serving as a mentor and role model while helping students develop everyday life skills and connecting them with other school staff as appropriate. The role receives general supervision from a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner Supervisor or designated administrator. Fluency in American Sign Language is required, as is proficiency in written English.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and age qualifications: be at least 21 years old and have graduated from an accredited high school or possess a high school equivalency certificate; or be at least 18 years old and possess an Associate of Arts degree or 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. Additional education from an accredited college or university may substitute at a rate of 60 credit hours for the required experience.
• Fluency and proficiency in American Sign Language.
• Proficiency in written English.
• Pass a medical examination and annual tuberculosis screening.
• Submit to substance abuse testing in accordance with the cited Maryland regulations.
• Apply for a criminal background check.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Obtain and maintain Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner certification.
• If assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle, possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in Maryland.
• Complete cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid training leading to certification, and keep the certifications current.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the physical, emotional, and social aspects of deafness.
• American Sign Language skills sufficient for fluent and accurate communication with students and parents.
• Written English skills sufficient for 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 other employees.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe environment and keep students under direct supervision at all times.
• Talk with students about their problems, offer guidance, and serve as a mentor and role model in their assimilation into deaf culture.
• Monitor students and assist them in following daily and weekly schedules for homework, sleep, meals, and personal hygiene.
• Observe and interact with students to prevent conflicts and minimize disturbances.
• Under the supervisor's direction, devise and administer rewards and punishments within specified guidelines to support compliance with school rules and policies.
• Document and report student problems to the Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner Supervisor.
• May supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of information about students and school personnel.
• Perform other related duties.

Benefits

• Contractual employees meeting the stated eligibility criteria may qualify for subsidized medical and prescription coverage for themselves and eligible dependents; the employee pays 25% of premiums and the State subsidizes the remaining 75%.
• Eligible contractual employees may elect dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, with the employee responsible for the full premiums.
• Contractual employees may be granted leave at a rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per calendar year.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree