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FACULTY MSD - Student Life Support Specialist

Recruitment #22-009009-0019

Introduction

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 ensure 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.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland School for the Deaf - Frederick Campus

101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

Main Purpose of Job

Under general supervision of the Direct of Student Life, performing within the residential program, provides highly responsible and skilled casework and social group work. 

 

While working and interacting with students in the dormitory, Student Life Student Support Specialist (SLSSS) will be; responsible for the development of staff and student programs within the dormitories which are designed to help staff and students define and solve problems, defining behaviors to collect and analyzing data; working with dorm athletic department and after school program staff to implement programs/trainings; monitoring/updating the programs and submitting all appropriate reports related to the programs. Act as a liaison to parents/guardians, school staff, support personnel, and the community. Provide training to staff in the principles of behavior and crisis prevention and management. May provide direct service to students in an individual and/or group format.  Work closely with the Mental Health Team to provide consultation and support to dorm staff and families.

POSITION DUTIES

·     Conducts involved casework interviews with students, parents, relatives, and works with other appropriate persons to obtain pertinent information for the purpose of formulating a diagnosis of psycho-social problems; develops diagnostically based treatment plans and conducts treatment utilizing a wide variety of methods and techniques within the social casework or group work process. Maintains relationships with parents and staff in support of treatment goals.  Initiates and carries out referrals to other treatment or service agencies when indicated.
 
·       Works with all departments; school, dorm, counselor, Student Health Center and parent(s) to develop proper plan for student(s) within teaching problem solving techniques, teaching/study techniques, develops student’s self confidence and expands life skills.
 
· Shares in the responsibility for all children coming to the residence hall, participates in the initial placement of children, interprets school programs and policies to parents and others, conducts periodic review of new student’s adjustments.  Participates in the planning and meeting of clothing, medical, dental, educational and recreational needs of children; participates in the preparation of students and their families for termination.  Serves as consultant to dorm parents and teachers in understanding behavior of children and planning effective ways of working with children having adjustment problems.
 
· Assists in program planning in cooperation with staff and/or other departments within the residence program, working closely with residential staff and effectively integrating services with other programs in order to effectuate an all-out “team approach.”
 
· Conducts functional behavior assessment, provides individual and group support to students; prepares and maintains records on student progress.
 
·     Participates in IEP meetings as needed as well as in clinical team meetings or other school support staff meetings regarding behavior or support management. 
 
· Functions as mental health liaison between MSD and mental health clinics serving students.
 
· Assists in the preparing of and participates in conferences with other disciplines for diagnostic decisions, treatment, planning and evaluation.
 
·       Assists with developing and providing staff training in various areas; i.e., related to youth welfare, mental health, student safety and health, student disabilities, behavior & crisis prevention and management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field area;  M.S.W. or M.A. preferred. 

 

EXPERIENCE: Two years of full-time experience with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with special needs preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills.  Fluency in sign language and written English required.  Ability to work with a variety of constituents required.  Skill in organization, supervision, and coordination of activities required. 

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge of the physical, emotional and social aspects of deafness;
  • Understanding of Legal and Ethical Issues in Residential Care;
  • Experience at a residential school for the deaf or another residential childcare facility;
  • Experience in teaching and caring for children and youth with and without disabilities;
  • 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.
  • Hold or obtain a valid driver license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Employees in this classification are required to obtain Residential Children and Youth Care Practitioner certification (within 180 days of hiring) and maintain the certification.
  2. Employees in this classification are required to have at least 40 hours of Department of Human Service (DHS) training hours annually and 20 hours of Continuing Education (CEU) every two years for their RCYCP certification.
  3. Employees in this classification are required to be proficient in American Sign Language and in written English.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.
  7. Must be able to work in the evening (2nd shift and occasionally 3rd shift) and on weekends as needed. Occasionally may be asked to work during the first shift to participate in mental health department meetings/training.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be prescreened before candidates are invited to an interview. As an equal opportunity employer, MSD is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If unable to apply online, or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time.

 

Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following: 

 

Maryland School for the Deaf 

Recruitment Department

101 Clarke Place 

Frederick, MD 21705 

 

E-mail: sharde.twyman@msd.edu 

Phone: 301-360-2008, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

Fax: 410-696-3084 

 

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.




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