Closing Date:
04/01/2024 TITLE OF VACANCY: Residential Care Specialist
POSITION TYPE: Auxiliary
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT: The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB)
LOCATION: Romney, West Virginia
Supervises and provides direct care of student groups, as assigned, in residential program of WVSDB. Residential Care Specialist specific location assignments are at the discretion of Director of Residential Life or Residential Shift Supervisor and will be based on staffing needs of the Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Upholds and protects children’s rights and works cooperatively to create a high standard of care for the students in the residential program at WVSDB. Seeks opportunities for students to participate in community programs/events, recreational activities, sports teams as appropriate for age and ability in collaboration with residential program supervisors. Provides educational assistance as indicated including access to technology.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will adhere to WVBE Policy 5902 – Employee Code of Conduct and WVSDB personnel policies for employee performance.
• At all times, demonstrate commitment to the quality of the residential program as a foundational component of the WVSDB experience.
• Incorporates knowledge of the developmental needs of each student in responses and planning for his or her residential experience.
• Respects the rights of parents to speak privately with their children on the phone or in person, unless extenuating circumstances are present.
• Contributes proactively and collaboratively to the continuum of WVSDB’s educational and residential services.
• At all times, demonstrates initiative to extend the students’ educational and social experiences in appropriate ways.
• Collaborates with instructional staff to deliver instructional opportunities to students in the residential program while also providing for their general care, safety, and welfare.
• Promotes student self-advocacy and independent living skills.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized education programs (IEPs) in areas such as independent living for each student as assigned.
• Implements special programs, such as behavior management programs, for students (as required) and provide assessment and supporting documentation regarding student progress and/or program effectiveness.
• Maintains appropriate student records in accordance with regulations and policies governing confidentiality.
• Provides emotional support for students and be cognizant of any mood or behavioral changes in students and promptly refer such changes to supervisor. Implement positive behavior support techniques to foster desired responses.
• Administers and charts medication prescribed by the child’s physician or the school’s physician. Keeps medications secure and out of student access areas.
• Works in any of the existing dormitory units, with any age group or gender throughout the year, as assigned. Residential Care Specialists may be placed on a rotating, floating, or stable shift assignment. Shift schedule/start time may be altered from time to time throughout the year at the discretion of the supervisor as dictated by the needs of the students.
• Monitors the students assigned to the dormitory apartments for their experience in independent living. Make apartment inspections for neatness, cleanliness, etc., and report findings to Residential Shift Supervisor.
• When two or more staff are assigned to a residential floor, one will be expected to assist the student or students with meal preparation one to two times per week.
• Maintains visual access to students they are supervising, or collaborates with other RCSs to accomplish this, in an effort to provide adequate safety and security for them (or be in close proximity for assistance when privacy is needed). Older students may have permission to travel on or off campus in small groups during daylight hours. This is determined on a case-by-case basis and with established parameters.
• Achieves and maintains ASL proficiency level as delineated in the WVSDB Communication Policy.
• Reviews all policies and procedures applicable to the Residential Program on an annual basis. Training will be scheduled and documented by immediate supervisor.
• Coordinates all aspects of assigned student’s residential programming i.e., provide academic, recreational, social, emotional support under the direction of the Residential Shift Supervisor (RSS).
• Initiates, plans and accompanies students on recreational/social outings which occur outside of the residential unit with approval from immediate supervisor. Accompany children to scheduled activities both on and off campus such as classes, meals, field trips, recreational trips, sporting events and/or any other designation, as assigned.
• As assigned by the RSS, serves as a liaison with local/community programs or business organizations that may provide opportunities for WVSDB students to become involved in civic programs, cultural events, sponsored employment opportunities, etc. during late afternoon or evening hours (as appropriate for age levels). Provide direct or proximate supervision of students involved in off campus, afterschool events/organizations.
• Assists students in developing computer literacy and monitor student use of PCs, age-appropriate software and/or websites. This requires an annual review of WVBE Policy 2460 and completion of the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) agreement for WVSDB staff.
• Communicates in American Sign Language when instructing, supervising, facilitating and/or participating in activities with D/HH residents and staff. RCSs must communicate in ASL at all times when working in common areas of the campus.
• Assists students with homework and/or special projects. Provides feedback to classroom teacher(s) through student planner entries on a daily basis. Collaborates with the DSL and/or instructional staff when assistance is required.
• Models and instructs students in the use of acceptable manners, etiquette and common courtesies at meals and assists with ensuring that students adhere to prescribed or recommended diet.
• Teaches and assists children with independent living skills such as personal hygiene, bathing, brushing teeth, hair care, dressing, bed making, and other life skills, e.g., choosing appropriate clothing for weather conditions.
• Shares responsibility with instructional staff for student mastery of the Expanded Core Curriculum.
• Assesses student behavior, carries out, and documents routine disciplinary measures, as necessary. Provides documentation on all student disciplinary matters occurring on shift to the RSS.
• Monitors efficient evacuation of buildings during fire drills and other emergency drills.
• Reviews daily documentation provided from the school buildings or previous RCS as to any changes with student behavior or physical condition and adjust responses accordingly.
• At the end of each shift, provide a detailed summary of student behaviors, discipline, illness or events that occurred during assigned shift and provide this to the RSS and the next RCS who provide care for the students. Provides incident reports or any other required documentation to the RSS before leaving at the end of shift.
• Ensures that students receive prescribed medications. Keeps daily medication charts in accordance with the WVSDB Health Services policies. Contacts nursing staff if a medical problem arises and administer first aid care as needed.
• Assists children with the handling and safekeeping of their money and in keeping records of receipts and disbursements as age appropriate. Ensures that students have access to the residential banking program on a routine basis during regularly scheduled bank hours.
• Assists students in packing and tagging suitcases for home-going or other trips. Transports luggage to appropriate departure areas, as requested, and assists with the installation of seat belts, harnesses, and car seats for safe student travel.
• Instructs students on professionalism in the workplace and proper manners for work assignments (i.e., on-campus Lions Club Work Program or off-campus employment opportunities) such as being punctual, dressed appropriately for duties, respect for supervisors and co-workers, etc.
• Notifies RSS to submit work requests to the Maintenance Department for necessary repairs in assigned dormitory area.
• Carries and uses communication devices during shift, returns device to charging station at end of shift.
• During work shifts that occur while students are sleeping, completes bed checks of all students every 15-20 minutes making sure that all students are safe and secure in their individual beds. Remains awake and alert at all times during work shift.
• Attends staff meetings as requested by immediate supervisor.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree in child development, psychology, or social work or related field required.
  • Individuals who have a degree in fields other than those designated above, must complete the Technical Core portion (18 hours) of the AAS degree offered through EWVCTC within two years of signing a letter of intent.
• Criminal background check conducted pursuant to WV Code §18-5-15c and/or §18A-3-10, as appropriate.
• Documented age of 20 years to work with elementary age children (Pre-K through grade 5) and 26 years to work with secondary age children (grades 6 – postgraduate).
• Be physically able to lift 50-100 pounds, be capable of leading and actively participating in physical activities with children and young adults during an 8-hour work shift.
• Individuals with Advanced SLPI:ASL skill level will be given preference during the hiring process if the position is assigned to a dormitory area serving primarily Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach, stand, walk, lift, grasp, write, talk, hear, see, use technology such as computer and multimedia equipment, and use repetitive motions. The employee may frequently lift and/or move at least 50-100 pounds. He/she shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed drugs while in the workplace. Alcohol and controlled substances which effect employee productivity, safety, or judgement will not be tolerated.
EXPECTATIONS:COMPENSATION:
200 day (10 Month) annual contract with compensation based upon WVSDB Auxiliary Pay Schedule. Additional compensation is available for ASL proficiency as detailed in the WVSDB Communication Policy.
Full benefits package available, click on this link to review this information - WVSDB Benefits.
EVALUATION:
Performance evaluation in accordance with West Virginia Board of Education Policy 5310.
APPLY TO: Frontline Education WV K-12 Jobs - WVSDB