SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under direction, psychologists receive and respond to requests for psychological services; provide interventions and instructional supports to develop students academic, social, emotional, developmental, and life skills; provide direct and indirect services for students, families, and schools; and work with families, school administrators, educators, and other professionals to create supportive learning and social environments. Psychologists regularly participate on problem-solving teams, including Collaborative Problem Solving, Educational Management, Section 504 and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams. Under direction, psychologists engage in collaborative problem solving; develop functional behavior assessments; deliver instructional and behavioral interventions; and conduct psychological assessments for educational purposes. Psychologists provide preventive and responsive services including psychological counseling for students and program consultation to educators serving MCPS students. Psychologists provide consultation and services to families with referral to available resources in MCPS and the community at large; collaborate with public and community agencies and personnel serving MCPS students; deliver parent training and in-service training for staff, and attend in-service training and professional development.
CERTIFICATE LICENSE:
Meets Maryland State Department of Education certification requirements for School Psychologist. National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Has a thorough knowledge of nationally recognized professional domains of practice for school psychologists, including (1) data-based decision making and accountability, (2) varied models of consultation, communication, collaborative problem-solving (including active listening skills) and counseling, (3) interventions and instructional supports to develop academic skills and promote learning, and (4) interventions and strategies to promote social and emotional functioning and mental health. Demonstrates advanced skills and abilities in gathering and using behavioral data to monitor student progress and outcomes of psychological services. Has advanced knowledge of: - biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on behavior and learning; - individual differences, abilities, disabilities, and other diverse student characteristics; - principles related to diversity factors for children, families, and schools; - research design, statistics, measurement, varied data collection and analysis techniques, and program evaluation sufficient for understanding research and interpreting data in applied settings; -ethical, legal, and professional standards; -school and systems structure; general and special education; and evidence-based school practices that promote learning and mental health;- principles and research related to resilience, social and emotional learning, multi-tiered prevention and intervention; and,- strategies to develop collaboration between families and schools.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
Masters and advanced graduate specialist degree in school psychology, or doctoral degree in school psychology from an accredited college or university.