School Psychologist-2024-2025

HOURS OF WORK: Full-Time;10 Months

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination equivalent to:  master’s degree in educational or clinical psychology, including at least one year of internship under the supervision of a credentialed school psychologist and experience in an elementary school setting. Valid ADE School Psychologist certificate. Valid State driver’s license.

STARTING SALARY: Based on Experience and Qualifications

CLASS TITLE:  PSYCHOLOGIST

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt

BASIC FUNCTION:

Conduct assessments of the psycho-educational needs of referred students; provide consultative services or techniques to facilitate student learning and development; provide short-term counseling services to special education students, as individualized education plan (IEP) teams designate, and regular education students, by agreement of the psychologist and site administrator; assist school patrons in gaining access to services from outside agencies and community service providers.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform psycho-educational assessments of referred students as outlined by the student’s assessment plan; provide assistance in evaluation of educational programs and progress of students through various testing programs.
• Conduct evaluations and periodic reevaluations of Special Education students; prepare written reports with diagnosis and recommendations for specific prescriptions.
• Participate in IEP meetings as appropriate; facilitate teams as necessary to accomplish proper results.
• Provide consultative support as a subject expert to teachers, administrators, parents and students for regular and special education programs regarding classroom environment/school climate, child development and learning, family/peer relationships, Special Education procedures and guidelines, learning problems, styles and strategies, student behavior, promotion, retention and acceleration counseling, staff development, substance abuse, understanding cultures and mental health issues/interventions.
• Provide short-term counseling with referred students and families; assist with expulsions as referred.
• Recommend alternative approaches or techniques to facilitate the attainment of goals and objectives for individual students, groups of students, classrooms and schools; consult regarding special programs, opportunity programs, gifted programs and others as assigned.
• Communicate between staff and families; perform crisis counseling as necessary.
• Operate a computer and other standard office equipment; drive a vehicle to various sites to conduct work.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Testing practices, procedures and methods.
• Various testing materials, instruments and equipment.
• Individual and group counseling techniques.
• Federal and State laws and regulations regarding special education and assigned duties.
• IEP preparation and implementation methods and procedures.
• Appropriate referral agencies.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Applicable sections of the State Education Code.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Principles of providing work direction and guidance to assigned personnel.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform professional evaluations of psychological, social and educational needs of students.
• Develop, write and implement comprehensive IEPs for special education students.
• Utilize various testing techniques, materials, equipment and instruments.
• Counsel effectively with students and parents.
• Prepare and maintain confidential records and files.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Work confidentially with discretion.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in the field.
• Provide work direction and guidance to assigned personnel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  master’s degree in educational or clinical psychology, including at least one year of internship under the supervision of a credentialed school psychologist and experience in an elementary school setting.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Psychology authorization or other appropriate credential.

Valid State driver’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

Classroom environment during observations.

Driving a vehicle to conduct work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.

Seeing to monitor student behavior and read a variety of materials.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to file materials.

HAZARDS:

Contact with hostile or abusive individuals with unpredictable behaviors.