MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner - Substitute; Contractual Position

Introduction

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.

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

• 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.

A Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner (RCYCP) at the Maryland School for the Deaf is responsible for 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.

• Maintain a safe environment and keep students under direct supervision at all times.
• Communicate with students to discuss their problems and offer guidance, serving as a mentor and role model for assimilation into deaf culture.
• Monitor students and assist them in complying with daily and weekly schedules of completing homework, sleeping, eating, and performing personal hygiene.
• Observe and interact with students to prevent conflicts and minimize disturbances.
• Under the direction of the supervisor, devise and dispense rewards and punishments within specified guidelines to ensure compliance with school rules and policies.
• Document and report student problems to the RCYCP Supervisor.
• Supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of students and school personnel information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Education:
  
  Must be either 21 years old with graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
• Alternatively, at least 18 years old with 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. Candidates may substitute additional education at the rate of sixty credit hours for the required experience.
• Fluency in American Sign Language is required.

• 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.

• Required to obtain and maintain RCYCP certification.
• May be assigned duties requiring operation of a motor vehicle; must possess a valid Maryland motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be trained and certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first‑aid; certifications must be kept current.

• Required proficiency in American Sign Language and written English.
• Must pass a…