School Psychologist

Job Title: Full-Time School Psychologist (District-Wide)
Location: Portsmouth Middle School &New Franklin Elementary School, with district-wide responsibilities
Reports To: Director of Pupil Support
Position Type: Full-Time, 10-Month

Job Overview:

The Portsmouth School Department is seeking a highly qualified, full-time School Psychologist to provide evaluation and assessment services primarily at the elementary School level and middle school level. This district-wide role focuses on conducting psycho-educational evaluations, providing consultation to staff, and supporting the development of effective interventions for students. While the position involves some direct counseling responsibilities, the emphasis is on assessment, including support for the Special Education process.

The ideal candidate will have experience with evidence-based assessment tools, including Q-Global and Q-Interactive, as well as knowledge of the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C-STAG) model. This role is critical in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for students across the district.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment & Evaluation:

  • Conduct comprehensive psycho-educational assessments for students to evaluate cognitive, academic, emotional, and social development.
  • Administer standardized tests and diagnostic assessments to assess learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and other concerns.
  • Interpret assessment data and write clear, concise evaluation reports, including recommendations for educational programming, accommodations, and interventions.
  • Participate in eligibility determinations for special education services and assist in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Provide assessment results to parents, teachers, and administrators in a clear, understandable manner.

• Consultation & Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with classroom teachers, administrators, and other support staff to design and implement interventions for students exhibiting academic or behavioral difficulties.
  • Offer consultation and training on evidence-based strategies for managing challenging student behaviors and supporting mental health in the school environment.
  • Participate in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) teams to monitor student progress and suggest additional support as needed.
  • Work closely with the district’s Special Education team to monitor progress of students receiving special education services.

• Crisis Intervention & Threat Assessment:

  • Support school-wide crisis prevention and intervention strategies.
  • Assist with conducting threat assessments using the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C-STAG) model when necessary.
  • Provide short-term, targeted interventions for students in crisis or at risk.
  • Collaborate with local mental health agencies, parents and community organizations to provide referrals and additional resources when appropriate.

• Counseling (when appropriate):

  • Provide short-term, solution-focused counseling for students experiencing mental health or behavioral issues, as needed.
  • Lead small group counseling sessions to address topics such as social skills, grief, anxiety, or behavioral concerns.
  • Serve as a liaison between school staff, students, and parents regarding social-emotional concerns.

• Professional Development & Program Evaluation:

  • Engage in continuous professional development to stay current on best practices and emerging trends in school psychology and mental health.
  • Provide training to staff on mental health issues, school safety, threat assessment protocols, and how to support students with diverse learning needs.
  • Participate in district-wide school safety and mental health initiatives, contributing to the development and implementation of programs aimed at supporting student wellbeing.

Qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology.
• Valid NH certification or licensure as a School Psychologist or eligible for certificaiton.
• Three years of experience in school psychology is preferred, with an emphasis on evaluation and assessment.
• Experience with psycho-educational assessment tools such as Q-Global and Q-Interactive is highly desirable.
• Experience or training in the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C-STAG) model is a significant plus.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations related to special education, including IDEA.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, and families.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and disciplines.
• Familiarity with multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and other frameworks for academic and behavioral intervention.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when dealing with sensitive issues.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, 10-month position with opportunities for additional professional development.
• Flexibility to travel between schools as needed primailry elementary leve and middle school level.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and professional development opportunities.