What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth?
Title: School Psychologist
Reports To: TLC's Chief Clinical Officer
Organization Summary:
The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth ("TLC") is a non-profit education and human services organization serving students and families in the Greater Philadelphia Area for 50 years. Founded in 1970 and incorporated in 1983, TLC is one of the region's largest community-based organizations providing alternative education, coaching, and counseling services to public school students and their families. For more information, please visit https://TheLincolnCenter.com
Position Summary:
The School Psychologist will work with primarily high school students at Pottstown School District to (a) support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach; (b) apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally; and (c) partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
Duties & Responsibilities
Improve Academic Achievement
• Promote student motivation and engagement
• Conduct psychological and academic assessments
• Individualize instruction and interventions
• Manage student and classroom behavior
• Monitor student progress
• Collect and interpret student and classroom data
Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
• Improve students' communication and social skills
• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs
• Provide individual and group counseling
• Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution
• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience
• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving
• Make referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools
Support Diverse Learners
• Assess diverse learning needs
• Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds
"Transforming lives and communities - one moment, one choice, one connection at a time"
• Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
• Modify and adapt curricula and instruction
• Adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning
• Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress
Create Safe, Positive School Climates
• Prevent bullying and other forms of violence
• Support social-emotional learning
• Assess school climate and improve school connectedness
• Implement and promote positive discipline and restorative justice
• Implement school-wide positive behavioral supports
• Identify at risk students and school vulnerabilities
• Provide crisis prevention and intervention services
Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
• Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs
• Assist in navigating special education processes
• Connect families with community service providers when necessary
• Help effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff
• Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Help students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs
Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior
• Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
• Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes
• Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels
Skills & Knowledge:
• Leadership and soft skills:
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
o Good organizational and time management skills
o Ability to work effectively on a multi-treatment team
• Technical skills:
o Good working knowledge of mental health and the treatment of affective and behavioral disorders
o Good working knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis and treatment
Education & Experience:
• Education: Master's degree in education or psychology required
• Certification: Certified School Psychologist in Pennsylvania
• Experience: Previous work experience in school setting is preferred
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
"Transforming lives and communities - one moment, one choice, one connection at a time"
Work Environment: Home, school, community, and office settings.
Work Hours: This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 10-month position.
Travel: Travel to the designated school, various homes, and community settings within the school community.
EEO Statement:
TLC is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and does not discriminate on any legally recognized basis, including, but not limited to, race, age, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis recognized by federal, state or local law.
