2021-2022 School Psychologist

Job Title: Psychologist

Reports to: Director of Special Services

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: Exempt, per contract agreement

Tenure Track: Yes

Social Security Contribution: Ineligible

Salary:  Teacher's Salary Schedule plus $4,000 supplement and 21 additional days

Purpose Statement

The Springfield, Missouri Public School District is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of School Psychologist, Special Services.

The Springfield School District is Missouri’s largest public school district and has built a reputation of academic excellence based on the outstanding performance of our students and schools. About 24,000 students attend 36 elementary schools, an intermediate school, 9 middle schools, 5 high schools and a variety of alternative education and choice programs.

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose/s of measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological studies and developing strategies and interventions to address the special education needs of eligible students.

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 student's functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement. 
• Assists in the completion of special education documentation for the purpose of delivering services in compliance to established guidelines, rules, law and regulations.
• Communicates with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
• Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, nurse, probation officer, mental health agencies, other professionals) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Coordinates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service and mental health for the purpose of determining appropriate services to meet the needs of specific students.
• Counsels students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school. 
• Develops behavior plans, curriculum modifications, etc. for the purpose of implementing programs.
• Facilitates meetings, processes, for the purpose of meeting special education assessment guidelines and/or creating Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Implements school wide program development and program evaluation (e.g. crisis intervention services) for the purpose of ensuring effective programs to assist children who experience physical, mental, social or emotional difficulties.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. extension requests, correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, Psych Ed Summary, Psych Report) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements (Minimum Qualifications)

Knowledge is required to conduct and interpret a variety of high quality assessments, determine appropriate behavioral interventions, collaborate with staff to build capacity with social skill instruction, use district technology platforms and assessment software, create an environment conducive to professional collaboration, provide relevant feedback to students, staff and families.

Skills are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: maintaining organized records, preparing and maintaining accurate records; applying assessment instruments; and operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications.

Ability is required to schedule activities, meetings and/or events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: developing and maintaining positive relationships; setting high expectations for self and others; setting and monitoring progress toward goals; utilizing and offering effective feedback to continuously improve; collaborating and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders; applying critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; and working flexible hours.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Springfield School District and is appropriate for their position.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as full-time exempt certified position. The terms of employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Missouri public school and Board of Education policy, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by Collective Bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between SPS and that Collective Bargaining representative.

Experience

Job related experience, required

Education

Doctorate (preferred) or Master's degree in job-related area, required

Miscellaneous Requirements

Background clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.

Certificates and Licenses

• School Psychologist Missouri Teaching certification and/or Licensed Psychologist, required.
• Ability to gain and maintain “Highly Qualified” status as defined by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, required

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 5% walking and 75% standing.

The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.