Psychologist

Employer: Grace Orchard School

The Psychologist, under the supervision of the Head of Department (Allied Professionals), is a member of the school’s AP Department. He / She provides psychological services within an inter-disciplinary setting, applying an array of psychometric assessments and intervention for clients with Mild Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He / She works collaboratively with fellow allied professionals, teaching staff, and parents / caregivers to facilitate learning and development of the students by promoting and supporting their cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural needs. He / She will conduct and participate in case conferences / consultations, and home visits, as well as provide relevant support services to benefit students and their families. The standard of professional practice will be ethical and delivered with due consideration to the relevant legislation and procedures.

Job Description:

Psychological assessments

· Conduct psychological assessments and other standardized tests for students when required.

· Conduct Placement Assessment Screening (PAS) and co-ordinate with AP staff to support placement and transition for new admission.

· Develop a clinical or professional formulation for routine cases and common psychological problems.

· Incorporate theoretical knowledge and evidence-based approaches to determine appropriate psychological formulations.

Interventions

· Applying psychological theory and scientific research to manage complex psychological problems that require individually tailored interventions.

· Deliver evidence-based interventions to students and their caregivers to support their psychological, socioemotional, behavioural and learning needs.

· Provide crisis intervention support in line with the school policies, including recommendations for financial assistance and supporting child protection cases.

· Write formal psychological reports and make formal recommendations or actions to be taken when required.

Collaborative practices

· Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders for the effective enhancement of services.

· Provide psychological inputs to other specialized departments and relevant professionals

· Liaise and co-ordinate with school staff to obtain / provide adequate information to advocate the best options for students’ development/placement.

· Contribute to the school’s interdisciplinary process of Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Individual Transition Plan (ITP).

Professional practices

· Maintain and update case documentation with relevant records and reports, and update students’ status to the relevant staff members and caregivers.

· Demonstrates the scientific-practitioner approach by carrying out research on prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment of psychological or learning disorders.

· Identify areas of improvement in psychological services and models of care in conjunction with the management.

· Adhere to professional standards in clinical and legal and ethical practices

Training/ supervision

· Assist in the delivery of training programmes for school staff, parents and caregivers.

· Attend internal and external trainings e.g. professional learning teams to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments to develop and maintain skills that increase effectiveness.

Administrative/ school duties

· Assist in the development and management of the budget for the Department.

· Assist in the stock-take and control of inventory of the Department.

· Attend school meetings e.g. staff contact time, department meetings, committee meetings, interdisciplinary meetings and school holiday staff meetings etc. to keep updated of school matters and planning.

· Perform other duties and be involved in committee work as assigned by the school management.

Requirements:

• At least a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology or related field

• Regsitered Psychologist with Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)

• Previous working experience in schools (mainstream and/or SPED schools) and working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is preferred

• Strong analytical and organisational skills

• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced work environment