School Psychologist

Reports to: Supervisor of Personnel and Middle School Education                              FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY:

Evaluates needs of average, gifted, disabled, and disturbed children within educational system or school, and plans and carries out programs to enable children to attain maximum achievement and adjustment by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts diagnostic studies to identify child’s needs, limitations, and potentials, observing child in classroom and at play, studying school records, consulting with parents and school personnel, and administering and interpreting diagnostic findings;
• Provides psychological services for students to assist in the measurement and interpretation of their intellectual, social, physical, emotional, and educational development; assist in the identification of handicapping conditions; provide practical recommendations for implementation in the classroom;
• Prepares clearly written, comprehensive psychological reports which address the referral issues and provide practical recommendations that can be realistically implemented by school personnel and used to assist in the development of the Individual Educational Plan (IEP);
• Plans special placement or other treatment programs;
• Provide Medicaid Supervision of Plan of Care for students with a Behavioral Intervention Plan;
• Maintains accurate and careful records of all psychological services provided;
• Counsels pupils individually and in groups to assist pupils to achieve personal, social, and emotional adjustment;
• Follows federal, state, and local laws, regulations and policies regarding children's educational welfare; and serves as an advocate for students and parents;
• Assists, as needed, with the development and provision of in-service programs related to child behavior, child development, special programs, and preventative mental health in the school setting;
• Serves as liaison between the schools and consulting clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health agencies;
• Carries out research to aid in introduction of programs in schools to meet current psychological, educational, and sociological needs of children;
• Advises teachers and other school personnel on methods to enhance school and classroom atmosphere to provide motivating educational environment;
• Refers individuals to community agencies to secure medical, vocational, or social services for child or family;
• Serves as a member of The Child Study Team, as requested, and the Special Education Eligibility Committee. Serves as chairperson of certain eligibility committees, as assigned; Serves as consultant to school board, superintendent, administrative committees and parent teacher groups in matters involving psychological services within educational system or school;
• Administers individual diagnostic techniques for the assessment of intelligence, personality, aptitude, achievement and perception;
• Conducts short-term individual and/or group counseling whenever possible;
• Conducts in-service workshops or consultative conferences for school personnel on request or as needed;
• Interprets test results to parents and teachers;
• Serves on School Crisis Team;
• Serves as a member of the Scott County Juvenile drug court team;
• Attends professional workshops and conferences to refine skills and gain new competencies;
• Keeps abreast of the professional literature in order to remain alert for ways in which psychological services to students can be improved, and makes such suggestions and recommendations;
• Complies with and supports school and division regulations and policies;
• Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of psychological theory and practice including assessment and test theory,

diagnostic categories, personality assessment, learning disabilities, statistics, and counseling

theories; knowledge of and adherence to legal procedures as contained in local, state, and

federal policies governing special education, including IDEA laws and guidelines;

knowledge of and adherence to professional and ethical standards of the American

Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists; knowledge

of counseling techniques, behavioral management techniques, classroom instructional

interventions, and parent training strategies.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent; Hold appropriate Virginia Department of Education certification.

Hold a license from the Board of Psychology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Occasional personal and close contact with children in the learning environment is required. Regular contact with staff members, administration, and parents is required. Frequent contact with parents by phone and in person is necessary. Occasional contact with medical professionals may be required.

EVALUATION:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of personnel.

Salary : $46,380 - $71,500