MSD Residential Child & Youth Care Practitioner; Contractual Position

Job Summary

A Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner (RCYCP) provides guidance, support, and mentorship to deaf and hard of hearing students at the Maryland School for the Deaf. The role involves maintaining a safe, supportive living environment, assisting with daily living skills, and promoting student development in a residential setting.

Maryland School for the Deaf, 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.

• Maintain safety and security of students and residential spaces.
• Serve as a mentor and role model for student assimilation into deaf culture.
• Communicate with parents/guardians and faculty at least weekly through calls, letters, or meetings.
• Assist students with daily schedules, homework, sleep, nutrition, personal hygiene, and household cleanliness.
• Document and report student progress, concerns, and incidents to the RCYCP Supervisor.
• Respond to emergency and crisis situations, provide interim assistance, and make appropriate referrals.
• Develop and monitor student activities and educational programs.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student and staff information.
• Participate in professional development and periodic safety checks of student residences.
• Travel to events such as workshops, field trips, and extracurricular activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Minimum age 18.
• Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college/university OR high school diploma/ GED.
• One year of experience providing guidance and life‑skill support to deaf or hard‑of‑hearing youth in a student‑life setting.
• Fluency in American Sign Language (required).

• Knowledge of 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 similar facility.
• Experience teaching and caring for children/youth with and without disabilities.
• Maryland medication administration certification or equivalent.
• Capacity to learn emergency medical procedures.
• Ability to create a dormitory environment conducive to positive development.
• Strong interpersonal skills with students and colleagues.
• Valid driver’s license.

• RCYCP certification required.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license if duties involve vehicle operation.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first AID certification, maintained per Maryland Department of Human Services regulations.

• Proficiency in American Sign Language and written English.
• Pass a medical examination and annual tuberculosis screening.
• Subject to substance‑abuse testing as required by state regulations.
• Complete criminal background check.
• Obtain and maintain RCYCP certification within 180 days.
• Complete at least 40 hours of Department of Human Services training annually and 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.

The Maryland School for the Deaf is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who reflect the diversity of the community, including traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups, bilingual applicants, and veterans.

Contractual employees working 30 or more hours per week may qualify for subsidized health benefits under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program. The state subsidizes 75 % of premiums; employees pay the remaining 25 %. Eligible employees may also elect dental, accident, and life insurance with full premiums paid by the employee. Leave is granted at one hour per 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per calendar year.