School Psychologist

Basic Function:

School psychologists help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students that strengthen connections between home and school. 

School psychologists work to find the best solution for each student and situation; they use various strategies to address student needs and to improve school and district-wide support systems. 

Scope of Activity:

The School Psychologist is responsible for the implementation of psychological services under the supervision of the Director of Special Education. School psychologists are professionals specializing in both mental health and education. They are trained to identify and address a wide range of barriers to school and community success, including learning differences, cognitive deficits, behavioral difficulties and emotional stressors. They are school-based mental health professionals trained in child psychology, learning and development as well as school systems and classroom environments. Furthermore, school psychologists are trained to work with multi-disciplinary teams and families using research and evidence-based 

strategies. The school psychologist's extensive knowledge of legal and ethical standards promotes best practices in education. 

Responsibilities: 

School psychologists may provide the following services: 

• Consultation
• Participate in CSE and IST meetings and/or case conferences to interpret the results and implement recommendations of all psychological tests and data regarding individual children. 
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems. 
• Help others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior. 
• Strengthen working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community. 

Evaluation:

Evaluate learning environments through baseline data and progress monitoring.  Assess strengths and needs of individual students through review of cumulative record, student observations and interview, consultation with staff, and administration of appropriate individual psycho-educational tests. Prepare psychological reports which contain the results of individual diagnostic evaluations and recommendations for educational programs. Provide recommendations to CSE regarding student diagnosis and educational programming. 

Intervention:

Provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance. 

Work directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning. Provide training and assisting in the implementation of research-based academic and behavioral interventions, including progress monitoring of student outcomes.  Help families and schools manage crises such as death, illness, or community trauma. 

Prevention:

Assist in the design of programs for children at risk of failing at school as part of a multidisciplinary team.  Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within the school community. Work collaboratively with others to implement programs to make schools safer and more effective learning environments. Collaborate with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health. Aid in the training of newly adopted district-wide initiatives. 

Research and Data Management:

Use evidence-based research to select and/or recommend effective interventions. Evaluate the effectiveness of academic and behavior improvement plans. Identify and implement building and district-wide programs and strategies to improve schools. 

Qualifications: N.Y.S. Certification as School Psychologist

Salary: As per U.T.A. Contract 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.