School Psychologist

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST DEFINITION OF THE POSITION

The School Psychologist is directly responsible for the psychological assessment of academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains utilizing problem-solving and standardized evaluations. The School Psychologist monitors the completion of case study evaluations and participates in Individual Education Plan conferences and problem-solving meetings designing systems, programs and services that maximize students’ social, emotional, and educational success. In collaboration with staff, families, students, and communities the school psychologist promotes effective educational environments. In short, the School Psychologist is responsible for providing both direct and indirect support to students, families, and staff members in order to ensure high quality programming for students with disabilities.

This position will travel between 3 schools in Dayton, Ohio

Primary Role and Purpose:

Provide support and interventions to students, families and other school professionals; conduct psychological and academic assessments; and work with school administrators to improve school wide practices policies.

Skills:

• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality and use of strong clinical reasoning and judgment in all aspects of the position
• Effective communication with students, staff, and community
• Demonstrate sensitivity to students and peers’ individual differences and cultural backgrounds
• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor with a team mindset
• Strive to improve professional competence through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, conferences, classes, and other professional development activities
• Ability to transport self between and among school sites throughout the District
• Working knowledge of school operations

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Functions:

· Act as an interdisciplinary team member in the special education eligibility process

· Participate in screening and/or the development of pre-referral interventions to determine response to intervention and whether further evaluation is needed

· Conduct psycho-educational evaluations of students identified as or suspected of having learning or behavioral disabilities, utilizing appropriate diagnostic instruments

o Administer, score, analyze and interpret intellectual, academic, social/emotional/behavioral and other psychometric assessments

o Conduct systematic observations and functional assessments

o Integrate all elements of assessment data into a concise, organized and educationally relevant evaluation report for the purpose of resolving initial referral question(s) and determining eligibility for special education

o Write quality, compliant assessment reports

o Edit and finalize the evaluation team written report

· Participate in IEP meetings, contribute evaluation findings and collaborate with all members of the team to develop education plans

o Articulate assessment results, conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear, understandable language through oral and written reporting while attending to cultural sensitivity

· Operate as a member of the special education team in providing special education services to students with disabilities

o Provide information to parents regarding the referral/assessment process, special education services available within the district, and their rights relative to special education

o Function as a member of the building-level Student Support Team for the purpose of reviewing referrals and determining appropriate actions

o Provide direct and indirect services specified within students’ IEPs

o Maintain accurate, complete and confidential records as required by law, school policy and administrative regulations

· Consult with teachers, school administration, parents and others, as appropriate, regarding the planning, implementation and evaluation of individual and group interventions designed to address students’ learning and behavioral needs

o Collaborate with school staff and parents in the development, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance of academic and/or behavioral interventions and accommodations for students

o Coordinate and/or collaborate with a range of individuals and agencies to promote and provide comprehensive services to students and families, as appropriate

· Lead crisis intervention efforts and provide insight into the development of functional assessments and behavior intervention plans

· Assist in the development of Functional Behavior Assessments, Behavior Support Plans, and help draft IEP goals related to behavior and social/emotional development

· Make recommendations based on psychological findings in cases of exemption, retention, acceleration, and other placement situations

· Model and educate school personnel and parents in the use of positive behavioral supports and in the appropriate implementation of academic and behavioral support plans

· Offer consultation and guidance to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding the general and special educational programs as appropriate

· Share in responsibility of reviewing incoming students’ records to ensure compliance

Student Support:

· Advocate for every child's academic, emotional, behavioral and social development to ensure that each student receives equitable access and opportunities to participate and be successful in school programs

· Provide responsive services including individual and group counseling, consultation, referral, crisis counseling, and facilitation of peer-focused conflict resolution

Other Responsibilities:

• Work daily between 7:30 am – 3:45 pm with no less than 200 days in a full contract year
• Participate in professional growth activities, meetings, conferences, and school functions as required
• General supervisory responsibility for student activities/events, programs of orientation, lunch and recess, and similar activities
• Assist with arrival and dismissal tasks
• Make recommendations for purchasing assessment materials to ensure staff is adequately equipped with state-of-the-art resources

Job Related Conditions:

• Maintain control in stressful situations
• Facilitate and mediate difficult meetings where there are conflicting interests or opinions
• Travel may be required
• Extended and irregular hours

Postscript:

• Employee shall protect the confidentiality of records and other documents and comply with applicable student records laws
• Employee shall perform all other duties assigned by administrator(s)

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Certified School Psychologist (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Dayton, OH 45415 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Dayton, OH 45415: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000