1.0 FTE Long-Term Substitute School Psychologist (Beginning February 2025)

READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS

READING, MASSACHUSETTS

Position:                    School Psychologist

Department:              District-wide, Building

Reports to:                 Director of Pupil Services, Building Administrator

FLSA Classification:   Exempt

Approved by:            Thomas Milaschewski, Ed D                                  

Revision Date:           July 2021                  

POSITION SUMMARY: Investigates processes of learning and teaching and develops psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development of individuals.  Analyzes characteristics and adjustment needs of students and recommends educational program to promote maximum adjustment.  Formulates diagnostic and predictive tests to aid teachers in planning methods and content of instruction.  Administers standardized tests to diagnose disabilities and difficulties among students and to develop special methods of remedial instruction.  Studies effects of teachers' feelings and attitudes upon students and characteristics of successful teachers to aid school administrators in selection and adjustment of teachers and students.  Collaborates with education specialists in developing content and methods of organizing and conducting classroom work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assumes major responsibility for assisting the Director of Pupil Services staff in the implementation, administration, and planning of counseling and psychological services for students in Pre-K through Grade 12.
• Assists Director of Pupil Services in:
• Program design and development.
• Increasing parent involvement.
• Staff recruitment and in-service training.
• Public information and relations.
• Planning and implementing program evaluations.
• Relations with outside agencies.
• Consults with evaluation teams to assist in developing educational plans.
• Performs psychological evaluation of students and/or families.
• Provides training and support services for counselors throughout the system.
• Assesses difficulties of referred students through appropriate testing and diagnostic practices.
• Administers and scores tests and recommends services for all referred.
• Prepares case records on all referred students.
• Recommends corrective procedures to teachers, parents, or others.
• Confers with teachers and parents whenever necessary.
• Consults with teachers, parents and administrative staff on the special educational needs of students, as appropriate.
• Attends case conferences on placement of individual students.
• Serves as a consultant on mental health topics for teachers in the school health program, as necessary.
• Interprets the school psychological services to teachers and parents.
• Prepares, submits and interprets required reports on all students assessed to parents, teachers and team leaders.
• Assists with in-service training of school personnel, as needed.
• Keeps a log on daily activities, tests, conferences, etc.
• Consults with other mental health agencies and other health professionals with regard to mental health issues.
• Assists in locating emergency services for students and families in psychological crisis.
• May provide short term, diagnostically oriented interventions with students and/or families.
• May serve on professional committee to enhance services provided.
• Attends MDT meetings with outside agencies as school district representative.
• Provides counseling to students either individually or in small groups as determined appropriate by the multi-disciplinary team.
• May be responsible for Team Leader Responsibilities.
• Assume other responsibilities as might be assigned by the Director of Pupil Services and/or Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district level administrators, principals, staff and community members
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
• Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records
• Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development
• Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master’s Degree in Psychology required; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study or Doctorate preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid MA DESE School Psychologist certification.
• The employee must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and possess own car to travel to school buildings during the workday as well as to occasional meetings out-of-district.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee must also often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and other staff members in person and on the telephone. The employee must be able to see and hear on a continuous basis in order to ensure the safety of students as well as observe and provide feedback to instructional personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.