School Psychologist

Reports To: 

Director of Student Services

Job Objectives

Provides consultation, psychological and psycho-educational assessments, program planning, and

counseling services that promote mental health and facilitate students learning.  Encourages parental

involvement in decision-making activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Ohio school psychologist license.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Documented evidence of a clear criminal record.
• Demonstrates the ability to access community resources appropriate to the needs of students.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable qualification can be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Consults with district administrators to evaluate the ability of the district’s school psychology services to meet the needs of students.
• Monitors education laws, rules, and regulations.  Develops procedural protocols necessary to comply with legislative mandates.
• Advocates for children.  Helps ensure that policies and procedures support non-biased assessment and program planning activities.
• Obtains informed written consent from parents/guardians before assessment and program implementation.
• Participates in a differentiated referral system that allows staff and parents to request a formal psycho-educational evaluation and/or consultation for non-disabled students.
• Participates in student assistance team meetings to facilitate the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process to help provide students with appropriate levels of intervention and helps increase/decrease the levels of support needed. 
• Administers diagnostic tests and interprets results.  Works with the team to reach a consensus on a plan to address student concerns.  Monitors the efficacy of recommendations.
• Helps formulate and guide the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students meeting eligibility requirements.  Works with staff to ensure services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Participates in due process procedures as requested.
• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., telephone calls, conferences, etc.).
• Schedules home and work site visits when necessary to support program goals.
• Provides programs to help parents understand and improve parenting skills.
• Provides case management services to students participating in community programs (e.g., preschools, residential facilities, etc.).
• Works with district staff to carry out “child find” and preschool/kindergarten screening activities.

• Collaborates with teachers.  Shares knowledge and resources that enhance the educational process.
• Instructs teachers in the early identification of mental health risks.
• Helps staff address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, vocational transition plans, etc.).
• Conducts group sessions as needed to address student concerns (e.g., grief, socialization, personal behaviors, conflict mediation, etc.).
• Works with community services associated with students’ programs (e.g., law enforcement, health care facilities, child welfare services, etc.).
• Participates in after-school programs (e.g., open houses, etc.) as directed.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities to remain current with school psychology innovations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.
• Promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety.  Does not leave students unsupervised.  Reports unauthorized persons or suspicious circumstances immediately.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Complete required training by appropriate deadlines (Vector, Gifted, Science of Reading, etc.)
• Accepts responsibility for personal decisions and conduct.  Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities required: The following aptitudes and physical skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves school psychology supplies and equipment.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

(Additional) Working Conditions: Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent, depending on circumstances and factors that are not predictable.

• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require detailed paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekends.
• Occasional exposure to loud noises.
• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, and stoop.
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 50 pounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Under the direction of the director of special education: plans meaningful work assignments, provides

instructions, and communicates expectations to assigned staff.  Monitors and helps assigned staff

successfully accomplish delegated duties.

Performance Evaluations

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Fostoria City School

District Board of Education.