Description
Purpose Statement
The School Psychologist supports the educational process by providing psychological services that measure and interpret the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social, and emotional development of students. Responsibilities include interpreting the results of psychological studies, applying state and federal laws, and developing strategies and interventions to meet the diverse needs of all students. The School Psychologist also performs duties in accordance with state statutes, district policies, regulations, and other assignments as required.
This job reports to Assigned Administrator
Essential Functions
- Administers standardized and/or supplemental assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assesses students' functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations.
- Collaborates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service, and mental health service for the purpose of gathering information to meet the needs of specific students.
- Communicates with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
- Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, nurse, probation officer, mental health agencies, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
- Coordinates 504 program components, support needs, and material for the purpose of delivering services which conform to established guidelines.
- Counsel students for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
- Conducts site-based educational research for the purpose of tailoring teaching methods, resources and interventions for students.
- Maintains accurate and confidential records of students for the purpose of ensuring compliance with FERPA.
- Serves as a liaison between students, parents, school staff and community agencies surrounding issues and events for the purpose of using specific skill set of a school psychologist.
- Provides professional development opportunities to staff as required or as assigned.
- Facilitates activities related to the implementation of the Response to Intervention (RTI) model and is an integral part of site teams for the purpose of assisting with analyzing and interpreting data derived from the RTI process.
- Develops behavior and academic plans, recommendations regarding curriculum modifications for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
- Delivers services such as functional behavior assessments, behavior plans, threat assessments, safety plans, parent training/communication and PBIS training for leadership teams.
- Serves as a resource to committees, school administrators, and school personnel surrounding issues and events that would benefit from the specific skill set of a school psychologist.
- Participates in trainings, conferences, meetings, workshops and other professional development activities, as required or assigned.
- Provides consultation to students, teachers, and other school personnel and parents regarding students' academics, social/emotional, or behavior.
- Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
- Participates in meetings, committees, workshops, and seminars assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
- Participates in Manifestation Determination Reviews by analyzing behavioral, disability, and evaluation data, providing input on the relationship between student conduct and disability, and supporting teams for the purpose of ensuring legally compliant disciplinary decision and appropriate behavioral supports.
- Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. extension requests, correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, Psych Ed Summary, Psych Report, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written references, and/or conveying information.
- Research resources and methods (e.g. intervention and therapy techniques, assessment tools and community resources, etc.)for the purpose of enhancing student successin schools.
- Supervises interns, practicum students, and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth, and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
Other Functions
- Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; organizing ability; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include psychology and educational principles; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; and maintaining effective working relationships.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact on the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience: Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.
Education: Master's degree in job-related area
Certificates and Licenses: Arizona Professional Non-Teaching Certificate
Clearances: Criminal Background Clearance/Fingerprint Clearance