MSD STUDENT LIFE COUNSELOR II

The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community who in partnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a nurturing, engaging and challenging environment to insure our students achieve personal excellence and become lifelong learners.  As such, we are looking for dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at MSD.

MSD Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

A Student Life Counselor II, 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 Student Life Counselor 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, seminars and recreational activities. Employees may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. 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 licensed by the Department of Health and Human Resources or the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are required to become certified as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner (RCYCP). Employees will need to meet the minimum qualifications for the RCYCP Certification or they will be required to pass the State Standard Examination. The Student Life Counselor II performs the full range of duties under general supervision.

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 attending classes, completing homework, sleeping, eating and performing personal hygiene; Observes and interacts with students to prevent conflicts and minimize disturbances; Implements, helps to evaluate and recommends modifications to student Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in areas such as proper etiquette, and interpersonal relations, and student behavioral modification plans; 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 Student Life Counselor Supervisor; Informs parents of student development through telephone calls, letters and meetings with the Parent, Teacher, and Counselor; Assesses emergency and crisis situations, makes appropriate contacts and referrals, and provides interim emergency medical and other assistance until specialized assistance is available; May supplement classroom instruction by tutoring students in academic subjects; May serve as a coach for extra-curricular activities such as football, basketball, wrestling and cheerleading; May participate in the development of educational programs and workshops; May plan, raise funds for and oversee off-campus field trips and recreational activities; May transport students to off-campus activities; May make periodic safety checks of doors and windows of student residences; Performs other related duties.

Education: Must be either 21 years old with a minimum of a high school diploma or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Or at least 18 years old with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience providing guidance to deaf and hard of hearing youth and assisting them with everyday life skills in a student life setting.

Note: Additional education at an accredited college or university may be substituted at the rate of sixty credit hours for each year of required experience.

Applicants must be willing to work the evening and overnight shifts.

1. Employees in this classification will be required to obtain and maintain RCYCP certification.

2. 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.

3. 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 child care licensure by the Maryland Department of Human Resources.

1. Employees in this classification are required to be proficient in American Sign Language and in written English.

2. Employees in this classification will be required to pass a medical examination and annual screening for tuberculosis as a requirement of residential child care licensure by the Maryland State Department of Human Resources.

3. 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.

4. Employees in this classification will be required to apply for a criminal background check as a requirement of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Family Law, Section 5-561.

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred.  If online access is not available, you may submit a paper application to:  Maryland School for the Deaf – Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 250, Frederick, MD 21705-0250, Fax:  301-360-1400. 

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Fax additional or supplemental information to Maryland School for the Deaf by the (closing date and time) or email to: kay.spriggs@msd.edu Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.