School Psychologist

School Psychologist

JOB GOAL                              

To assist students in succeeding by developing strategies and interventions; measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting the results of psychological studies; interpreting and applying state and federal codes

QUALIFICATIONS

Holds a valid Tennessee teacher's license with appropriate endorsement, has strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills; and meets health and physical requirements.

REPORTS TO               Supervisor for the Department of Exceptional Children

FLSA STATUS              Exempt

SCHEDULE                   200 Day 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administers standardized and/or supplemental assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social, and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements;
• Assesses students’ functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student’s functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement;
• Conducts IEP-team meetings and conferences with parents; contributes to appropriate individualized education program (I.E.P.);
• Collaborates with teachers and staff to develop appropriate IEP goals based on data and the educational needs of the child;
• Assists staff for the purpose of developing and applying student monitoring systems and designing academic and behavioral interventions;
• Assists all specialists (e.g. autism consultants, behavior specialists, occupational and physical therapists, speech language pathologists, etc.) for the purpose of creating and delivering student supports;
• Compiles information from a variety of sources for the purpose of producing a comprehensive screening/evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines;
• Consults with teachers, parents, and / or other outside personnel or professionals for the purpose of providing requested information for developing plans for services and / or making recommendations;
• Listens to and counsels students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school;
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions;
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention, assessment tools, and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals;
• Has working knowledge of resources, strategies, networks, organizations, and unique services for individuals with disabilities and their families;
• Knows and follows all safety rules and procedures;
• Maintains necessary records and completes the necessary paperwork;
• Administers diagnostic tests and evaluates student progress as needed;
• Observes students to detect signs of ill health or emotional disturbance and reports, as appropriate;
• Fosters and promotes cooperative positive social behavior;
• Evaluates and advises on school disciplinary practices for troubled students;
• Reports to the principal any reasonable suspicion that a student's health or welfare has been or appears to have been harmed as a result of abuse or neglect;
• Represents the school and the community in a positive manner;
• Complies with board policies, school rules, and administrative regulations;
• Attends work regularly and on-time;
• Participates in faculty and professional meetings; engages in professional development to stay current on researched-based instructional strategies and services, and seeks additional resources and assistance as needed to meet the individualized needs of students;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

TEMPERAMENT (Personal Traits)

• Adaptability to performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure;
• Adaptability to accepting responsibility for the direction, control, and/or planning of an activity;
• Adaptability to working with students; and
• Adaptability to making generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based upon sensory or judgmental criteria.

CAPACITY AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Specific capacities and abilities may be required of an individual in order to learn or perform adequately a task or job duty.

• Intelligence: The ability to understand instructions and underlying principles; the ability to reason and make judgments.
• Verbal: The ability to understand meanings of words and the ideas associated with them.
• Numerical: The ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately.
• Data Perception: The ability to understand and interpret information presented in the forms of graphs, charts, or tables.
• Spatial: The ability to comprehend forms in space and understand relationships of plane and solid objects.
• Manual Dexterity: The ability to move the hands easily and manipulate small objects with the fingers rapidly and accurately.
• Color Discrimination: The ability to perceive or to recognize similarities or differences in colors or shades or other values of the same color.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This job may require lifting or carrying of objects that exceed fifty (50) pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Other physical demands that may be required are as follows: pushing and/or pulling, stooping and/or kneeling, reaching and/or handling, talking, hearing, seeing, and climbing.

WORK CONDITIONS

Normal working environment.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel so assigned.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Wilson County Board of Education does not discriminate because of age, race, color, gender, national origin, disability, religion, genetics, creed, or veteran status in the provision of services, in programs or activities, or in employment opportunities or benefits.  The Wilson County School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and member of TN Drug-Free Workplace.  Employees or applicants who need reasonable accommodations should contact Human Resources for assistance.