What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at West Perry School District?
Position: School Psychologist Location: District-wide
Reports to: Coordinator of Student Services Assignment: 205 or 245 days
Job Summary: The school psychologist provides consultation, support, and direct assessment of academic achievement and behavioral health within the school environment. A school psychologist is responsible for conducting psychological, academic and behavioral assessments in the diagnosis and identification of diverse learners and their needs according to PA Code. The school psychologist serves as a member of the school team to support a safe and positive school climate, promote and provide behavioral and mental health services, and coordinate care with private agencies (PDE CSPG 81 – School Psychologist PK-12).
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field. Valid Pennsylvania certificate as a School Psychologist. Master's Degree required with post-master’s work in school psychology, counseling and community relations preferred.
POSITION FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Coordinate and manage initial referrals for the MDE/IEP process (including completion and tracking).
- Participate in the MTSS process and serve on MTSS committee(s).
- Consult with staff for instructional problem-solving.
- Conduct diagnostic evaluations.
- Interpret assessment information for staff and parents.
- Consult with staff and parents regarding child development.
- Serve as a consultant to committees and task forces/department/staff regarding assessment, study
skills, learning, behavior and counseling methods.
- Establish and maintain programs that promote positive attitudes/values among students (could be direct involvement or coordination with agencies).
- Consult with students, parents, teachers and administrators about strengths and weaknesses in student learning, personality, behavioral, emotional and social factors which affect learning.
- Coordinate referrals with outside agencies.
- Work with students individually and with small groups as needed.
- Provide direction in the use of community resources.
- Maintain record of all counseling cases with appropriate regard for confidentiality.
- Perform other assigned duties as required by the superintendent.
GENERAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements: Standing, sitting, walking, and constant, repetitive motion
Climbing, bending, squatting, shoulder reach and twisting occasionally
Frequent bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping, kneeling, crouching
Pushing and pulling: 50-70 pounds
Light lifting: up to 50 pounds
Manual dexterity to use technology
Sensory Abilities: Use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls
Talk clearly to be understood and communicate
Hear clearly to understand and communicate
Specific vision abilities to read, write, use the computer
Temperament Requirements: Ability to remain calm and objective
Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and changes
Must be organized, dependable, and focused
Must be flexible to deal with changing priorities
Must have a tolerance for competing priorities
Empathetic understanding of behavior and developmental needs
During a typical work day: Must be able to stand 3 total hours.
Must be able to sit 1 total hour.
Must be able to walk 4 total hours.
Must be able to adhere to daily time schedule.
Must be able to hear (40 decibel loss maximum).
Must be able to communicate verbally.
Must have vision requirements of near acuity of 20 inches or fewer and far acuity of 20 feet or more with depth perception, accommodation, and field of vision.
Physical Environment: District-wide. Center of operation is the secondary campus.
Technology: Computer/printer, copier, etc., use of spreadsheets, word documents, related computer programs, and program specific software.
