What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at New Bedford Public Schools?
We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.
Position:
- School Psychologist
- To administer, interpret, utilize psychological tests, functional behavior assessments and other evaluation materials in completing comprehensive reports. This may include students who are placed in a 45-day interim educational placement (CBIP, TDA, Whaling City).
- To participate in the TEAM process for children with or suspected special needs and in the subsequent planning of educational programs. Participant must be able to discuss evaluation results and meaningful recommendations as related to the referral question.
- To help school teams use evaluation and observation data to plan instruction that will help students meet learning standards and access curriculum.
- To identify students in need of support and/or referral services through observation, data collection, informal and formal evaluation, and assist school personnel in the implementation and coordination of appropriate action steps. Work in collaboration with special education facilitators, school adjustment counselors, and guidance counselors to determine eligibility for further evaluation if warranted. (i.e., Instructional Support Team, Student Support Team, Response to Intervention)
- To assist school teams in developing, implementing, and monitoring behavior intervention plans for children experiencing difficulty in regular and special education settings.
- To provide on-going consultation and modeling of therapeutic strategies for teaching teams and support staff dealing with dysfunctional and/or challenging children in regular or special education settings.
- Participate and collaborate with collateral agencies to provide preventative curriculum programs such as Signs of Suicide and Olweus Bullying Prevention to identify at risk students.
- Participate as a member of the district wide Trauma Response Team to offer support to students and staff as a result of a traumatic community or school event.
- Maintain accurate complete and comprehensive student and staff records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations.
- Manage an assessment caseload to maintain strict adherence to all assessment timelines pursuant to special education guidelines.
- Attend all staff, professional, and Asst. Supt. Mtgs.
- Completion of Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), Educational Specialist (EdS) or higher in School Psychology
- DESE Certification as School Psychologist in Massachusetts
- 3-5 years of experience as a practicing School Psychologist
- BCBA recommended
- Reports to: Supervisor of Special Education
- Rate: In accordance with the NBEA Unit A contract found here
- Evaluation: Job performance will be evaluated based on the New Bedford Public Schools’ Evaluation Process.
