The Odyssey School of Denver is a diverse, K-8 Expeditionary Learning (EL) charter school. We believe in teaching students how to learn through a focus on academic achievement, critical thinking, and social responsibility, preparing them for high school and beyond. Our EL curriculum is supported by a robust outdoor Adventure program in which all students and staff participate. The School Psychologist/Social Worker (SP/SW) is a uniquely qualified member of school teams who provides direct and indirect social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health services for children and youth, as well as works with families, school administrators, educators, and other professionals to create supportive learning and social environments for all students.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administer social/emotional/behavioral/adaptive assessments and reports

• Administer cognitive assessment and written reports, when required (School Psychologists only)

• Administer informal assessments and reports, including observations, interviews, record review, and other tools

• Develop IEPs in collaboration with all IEP team members. Adheres to all district timelines and requirements for IEP meetings, notifications, and development.

• Provide direct and indirect (e.g. consultation) minutes of service on 504s and IEPs through consistent use of counseling practices that are engaging and promote equity and high expectations through research-based strategies and curricula

• Progress monitor and report on student goals

• Actively participate on the Special Education/Intervention team

• Lead the in the planning, development, and data collection for Functional Behavioral Assessments and lead the development of Behavior Intervention Plans

• Develop and implement Social Emotional & Mental Health (SE/MH) plans for SW/SP services provided outside of special education services, based on the determination of the SP/SW

• Attend and prepare for meetings as part of the IEP and 504 process, including pre-meetings, evaluation and eligibility meetings, and annual meetings

• Conduct social emotional 504 evaluations and written reports

• Participate in the Manifestation Determination process for students with 504s and IEPs

• EzEdMed record keeping for all students receiving services from SW/SP for funding and accountability

• Lead student safety protocol processes, including progress monitoring of Action and Intervention Plans [i.e., Preliminary Suicide Risk Screener, Full Suicide Risk Review, Preliminary Information Gathering Form, Full Threat Appraisal, Individualized Supervision Management Plan, Non-Suicidal Self Injury Plan]

• Support building-level crisis response and recovery services as indicated and directed by principal *Obtain NCI certification to support crisis intervention.

• Provide interventions and consultation for students with behavioral, social/emotional, and mental health needs and/or concerns identified in Tiers 2 and 3 (students without IEP/504)

• Ensure school-wide suicide prevention curriculum for 5th, 6th, 9th, and 12th grades occurs using the menu of options provided by the department. This includes information sharing of Safe2Tell, and annual staff and parent/caregiver training.

• Lead the administrations and analysis of the BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BASC-3 BESS).

• Attend SW/SP department meetings/professional learning days and Exceptional Student Services (ESS) professional learning, as required through DPS

Additional responsibilities include:

• Building Crew & Character

  • Support school culture and foster character through social-emotional learning practices that bring the community together, promote shared understanding, and encourage all community members to become crew, not passengers

  • Ensure equity and have high expectations by creating and adapting structures to ensure that all students have access to mental health supports, referrals, etc.

  • Onboard and works collaboratively with lead classroom teachers on data collection, instruction, and adaptation for successful inclusion of students.

  • Attend adventure trips *Accommodations will be made for medical/family care concerns

• Family Communication

  • Make families welcome, know them well and engage them actively in mental health support.

  • Communicate regularly with students and families about achievement, growth, behavior and other topics using email, phone calls and via IEP progress reports.

  • Observe, evaluate, report, and record students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.

  • Consult with staff and families, making recommendations for developmentally appropriate services and strategies to assist in improving student achievement.

• Professionalism & Responsibilities

  • Participate in a strong professional culture that is sustained via collective leadership and action.

  • Observe and support the Odyssey staff community courtesies and Habits.

  • Attend and participate in all Staff Council and professional development meetings. Avoid scheduling conferences, medical appointments, etc. during these times.

  • Be prompt for school, meeting and supervision responsibilities.

  • Supervise interns and practicum students as indicated.

These services reflect the qualifications aligned with licensure requirements and graduate education training. There are two items required to be a special service provider (SSP) at Odyssey:

• A valid Colorado Special Services Provider License

• An SSP endorsement in their respective occupation relative to their position (SP/SW)

This is a full-time position (196 days as described in the school calendar) between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Compensation (between $65,000 and $80,000) is based on experience and includes health and retirement benefits.