School Psychologist

Kennett Consolidated School District is seeking a dynamic school psychologist to provide school-based, psycho-educational services to enhance students’ education and promote the mental health well-being of students throughout the district. An individual who exhibits a belief in the importance of relationships and resiliency through a student-centered approach will be able to successfully support the district’s mission and vision.

Kennett's uniquely diverse student population makes applicants considered to be fluent or bilingual highly sought. Applicants with at least three (3) Spanish courses at the college/university level or who have a command of conversational Spanish are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Masters or educational specialist degree in school psychology
• Certified as a School Psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania (or eligible for PA state certification)
• Demonstrated knowledge in federal and state special education and gifted regulations
• Knowledge of current Child Abuse Laws
• Possess effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with peers, teachers, administrators, parents, students, support staff, and outside professional contracts
• Must successfully complete and maintain compliance with all federal and state background and criminal record check requirements
• Candidate must adhere to all local, state, federal, and school code requirements for employment

Preferred (not required)

• Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certification
• Completion of NASP approved graduate program
• Bilingual (Spanish)

Essential Job Functions 

• Under the supervision of the Director of Pupil Services and Supports, will support students, teachers, and parents to enhance students' educational experience. This involves promoting positive self-esteem and resilience while offering guidance on overcoming psychological or mental health challenges.
• As part of a multidisciplinary team, conducts psychological assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of determining eligibility for special education and/or gifted programming.
• In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, communicates results of psychoeducational evaluations so that all pertinent stakeholders have clear understanding of student strengths, needs, and recommendations for programming. 
• Consults with others to identify appropriate evidence-based strategies and to develop programming goals for individual students in areas of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning.
• May conduct threat and suicide risk screenings/assessments, and collaborate with the mental health team.
• Serves as a member of the building crisis response team. Implements behavioral crisis prevention and de-escalation strategies.
• Collaborates with community-based agencies to comprehensively support student needs. 
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education, and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Active member of building KIT (Kennett Intervention Team) and special education collaborative teams, as well as other building or district-level teams as appropriate.
• Ongoing participation in professional development and learning in order to possess current knowledge of best practices in the field.
• Supports building teams in understanding educational research and regulations pertaining to exceptional children.