What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at McFarland Unified School District?
CLASS TITLE: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, plan, organize, coordinate and implement the observation, assessment and treatment of psychological, behavioral and related educational issues and problems among identified students with special needs; provide counseling and crisis intervention services to students; provide consultation and technical assistance to faculty, administrators and others concerning psychological and related educational functions.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Plan, organize, coordinate and implement the observation, assessment and treatment of psychological, behavioral and related educational issues and problems among identified students with special needs; provide psychological services to facilitate and enhance student learning, adjustment and performance in educational activities and special education programs.
Provide consultation and technical assistance to faculty, administrators and others concerning psychological, behavioral and related educational issues and problems; provide detailed and technical information concerning related treatment, developmental, disciplinary and remediation plans, programs, practices, procedures, techniques and strategies.
Observe and interview students and conduct psychological assessments and evaluations; administer and interpret results of psychological assessment tests; identify, diagnose and formulate educational, treatment, developmental and remediation plans and strategies for various disabilities, disorders and other student issues; provide individual and group counseling to students and families.
Provide crisis intervention and counseling for students and families during crisis situations as needed; observe, evaluate and recommend solutions for issues related to homeless students; analyze psychological issues related to violent students and recommend appropriate actions and strategies; visit group homes to counsel students as needed.
Determine student needs and recommend student placement in special education and various other programs; refer students and families to various school district and community programs and services as appropriate; follow up to assure students receive appropriate services.
Coordinate psychology services, communications, information and crisis interventions between students, faculty, administrators, sites, school districts, outside agencies and others; resolve psychological and related student, family, staff and administrative issues and conflicts in a proper and timely manner.
Monitor and confer with teachers, administrators, students and families concerning the progress of students; visit classrooms to monitor instructional activities and student behavior and performance as directed; provide input and technical recommendations concerning instructional teaching activities and performance; coordinate and prepare required documentation with faculty and other staff.
Prepare and maintain concise and detailed records and reports concerning students, psychological observations, tests, assessments, diagnoses and assigned activities; prepare and distribute a variety of correspondence related to student caseload and psychological services.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to designated personnel; review work for compliance with established standards, requirements, principles and procedures; provide input concerning employee evaluations as requested.
Assist in assuring educational activities for identified students comply with established standards, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Communicate with personnel, outside agencies and the public to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns.
Operate standard office equipment including a copier, computer and assigned software; drive a vehicle to conduct work.
Attend and participate in IEP and various other meetings; present materials and information concerning psychological, behavioral and related educational issues and problems among students; represent the District at various psychology and special education-related events and functions.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles, practices, methods and procedures involved in the observation, assessment and treatment of psychological, behavioral and educational issues and problems among identified students with special needs.
Psychological practices, procedures and techniques involved in the interpretation and diagnosis of student disabilities and disorders.
Psycho-educational evaluation practices, procedures and methods.
Administration and interpretation of psychological tests.
Individual and group counseling and crisis intervention techniques.
Curriculum standards, interpretation and application in programs for students with various disabilities, disorders and other issues.
Applicable federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including mandates related to Special Education programs.
Policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
Record-keeping and report writing techniques.
Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy.
Oral and written communication skills.
Public speaking techniques.
Operation of a computer and assigned software.
ABILITY TO:
Plan, organize, coordinate and implement the observation, assessment and treatment of psychological, behavioral and related educational issues and problems among identified students with special needs.
Provide counseling and crisis intervention services to students.
Observe students and conduct psychological assessments, tests and evaluations.
Identify, diagnose and formulate educational, treatment, developmental and remediation plans and strategies for various disabilities, disorders and other student issues.
Provide detailed and technical information concerning treatment, developmental and remediation plans, programs, practices, procedures, techniques and strategies.
Recommend student placement in special education and various other programs.
Interpret, apply and explain various laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate records and reports according to applicable standards.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Work independently with little direction.
Plan and organize work.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: master’s degree psychology or related field and a minimum of successful practicum and internship experiences performing professional psychology duties in a school or clinical environment including work with children, adolescents and special education-related functions.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California Credential authorizing service as a School Psychologist.
Valid California driver’s license.
Spanish speaking - Desirable
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Indoor work environment.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.
Seeing to read a variety of materials and observe students.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to file and retrieve materials.
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied and abusive individuals and aggressive student behavior.
Salary : $93,730 - $119,630