What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist (25-26 School Yr.) position at Montgomery County Schools?
Position Overview
The School Psychologist will serve as a vital member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, providing expertise in psychological assessment, data interpretation, and intervention planning. This role involves administering and interpreting evaluations to identify students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs, as well as collaborating with educators, families, and other professionals to develop and implement effective IEPs. The School Psychologist will advocate for equitable access to education and ensure compliance with federal and state special education regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assessment and Evaluation:
- Administer a variety of standardized and non-standardized assessments to evaluate cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning.
- Interpret assessment results and provide clear, comprehensive reports that inform eligibility decisions and guide the development of IEP goals.
- Participation in the IEP Process:
- Serve as a key member of the IEP team by presenting evaluation findings during meetings in a clear and accessible manner for all stakeholders.
- Collaborate with team members to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA guidelines.
- Assist in the development of individualized, evidence-based goals and accommodations tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.
- Intervention Planning and Implementation:
- Recommend appropriate interventions based on evaluation results to address academic, behavioral, or social-emotional needs.
- Support teachers in implementing classroom strategies aligned with IEP goals.
- Monitor student progress toward IEP goals through regular data collection and analysis.
- Consultation and Collaboration:
- Work closely with educators, families, administrators, and related service providers to ensure that students receive comprehensive support.
- Provide guidance on evidence-based practices for addressing learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, or mental health concerns within the context of the IEP.
- Act as a liaison between schools and outside agencies when additional services are required.
- Compliance and Documentation:
- Ensure all evaluations, reports, and IEP documents comply with federal (IDEA) and state regulations.
- Maintain accurate records of assessments, recommendations, and progress monitoring data.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in School Psychology (Master’s or Specialist level required; Doctorate preferred).
- Current North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in School Psychology (or eligibility for licensure).
- Proficiency in administering a wide range of psychological assessments (e.g., cognitive, achievement, behavioral).
- Knowledge of IDEA regulations and the IEP process.
Skills and Abilities- Strong skills in data interpretation, report writing, and communicating findings effectively to diverse audiences.
- Expertise in psychological assessment tools and methods.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to develop student-centered plans.
- Strong organizational skills for managing multiple evaluations and timelines simultaneously.
- Commitment to equity in education by addressing systemic barriers that impact student success.
