Extended School Year School Psychologist/Adjustment Counselor

SUMMARY: The Reading Public Schools is seeking a School Psychologist/Adjustment Counselor for the Extended School Year program, July 7-August 7, 2025. Investigates processes of learning and teaching and develops psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development of individuals.  Analyzes characteristics and adjustment needs of students and recommends educational program to promote maximum adjustment. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for by this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Assumes major responsibility for assisting the staff in the implementation, administration, and planning of counseling and psychological services for students in ESY.
• Assists Assistant Director of Student Services in:
• Program design and development.
• Increasing parent involvement.
• Planning and implementing program evaluations.
• Relations with outside agencies.
• Provides training and support services for teachers/paras.

• Recommends corrective and supportive procedures to teachers, parents, or others.
• Confers with teachers and parents whenever necessary.
• Consults with teachers, parents and administrative staff on the special educational needs of students, as appropriate.
• Interprets the school psychological evaluations on file and services to teachers and parents, as needed.
• Assists with in-service training of school personnel, as needed.
• Keeps a log on daily activities, and student specific data and notes, as relevant.
• Consults with other mental health agencies and other health professionals with regard to mental health issues.
• Assists in locating emergency services for students and families in psychological crisis.
• May provide short term, diagnostically oriented interventions with students and/or families.
• Provides counseling to students either individually or in small groups as determined appropriate by the multi-disciplinary team.
• Assume other responsibilities as might be assigned by the Extended School Year Coordinator and/or Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Exercises no supervision.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
• Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field
• Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district level administrators, principals, staff and community members
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

• Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records

• Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development

• Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master’s Degree in Psychology or School Adjustment Counselor; Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study or Doctorate preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid MA DESE School Psychologist certification.

or

• Valid MA DESE School Adjustment Counselor certification

• The employee must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and possess own car to travel to school buildings during the workday.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The employee must also often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time. The employee may be required to occasionally traverse throughout the school building. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and use hand strength to grasp tools. Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e., a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer). The employee must be able to input information into a computer and as well as read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with students, parents and other staff members in person and on the telephone. The employee must be able to see and hear on a continuous basis in order to ensure the safety of students as well as observe and provide feedback to instructional personnel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day and location. The employee interacts with students, parents, and other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.