Job Title: School Psychologist

Department: School Based

Pay Grade: Licensed

Work Calendar: 10 Month 200 Day or All 12 Month Employees

FLSA Status: Exempt

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the administrative supervision of the Assistant Principal and professional supervision of the Coordinator for School Psychologists, the School Psychologist assists school personnel in providing an atmosphere conducive to student learning and emotional well-being. Specific responsibilities include assessment, instructional and behavioral consultation, crisis prevention and intervention, and serving as a source of information regarding psychological services.

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide conducive atmosphere for student success

• Consult with principals, teachers, parents, and other appropriate individuals to help provide an atmosphere conducive to the student’s academic and emotional well-being.
• Assess the individual needs of students, which may include observations, behavioral evaluations, interviews, review of records, teacher reports, anecdotal notes, and/or the administration of psychological and educational tests while assisting in establishing and implementing procedural requirements for the assessment, eligibility, and appropriate placement of students.
• Serve as a participant on the school's Child Study Team Eligibility Committee and Crisis Intervention Team to assist in meeting the student’s individual needs.
• Assist in the development and revision of special education programs for individual students which may include IEPs, ITPs, 504 Plans, and other intervention strategies as well as interpret assessment findings to parents, teachers, and other appropriate personnel, as needed.
• Conduct short-term, individual and/or group counseling when deemed appropriate and as time permits.
• Review current research and assessment materials, and order supplies needed for psychological services.
• Provide school personnel with general knowledge regarding psychological services.

Participate in conferences regarding student

• Participate in legal appeals and hearings regarding students who have been evaluated psychologically, or who are participating in special education programs.
• Participate in the special education eligibility conferences regarding students who are in residential settings.
• Serve as a liaison between residential facilities, institutions, clinics, agencies, and other school divisions.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with school personnel and outside agencies.
• Conduct in-service workshops and/or consultative conferences for school personnel and the community as needed.

Support and demonstrate core values of SCPS

• Engage in ongoing professional development relevant to position.
• Respond promptly and thoroughly to written and oral requests for information.
• Maintain a clean, neat appearance, appropriate to position.
• Maintain a record of appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serve as an optimal role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Work in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Comply with all District and School policies and regulations, including but not limited to guidelines for confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree plus 30 graduate hours (EdS, CAGS or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
• Be eligible for Pupil Personnel license issued by the Virginia Department of Education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Awareness of and adherence to National Association of School Psychologists ethical standards and guidelines.
• Proficiency in the administration and interpretation of multiple assessment instruments and techniques appropriate for a variety of populations.
• Use of appropriate psychological theories and techniques.
• Child development and growth stages.
• Current special education regulations, issues, and related laws.
• Full understanding DSM IV, curriculum and instructional programs, and services provided by various community agencies.

Skills

• Interpersonal communication and human relations skills with students, staff members, parents, and administrators.
• Use of oral and written communication skills; thorough knowledge of English grammar and usage.

Abilities

• Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals
• Organize and perform work independently
• Work on multiple projects while meeting all deadlines
• Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in quality and quantity of work

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work environment is inside, with moderate noise, temperatures that are controlled, and no exposure to chemicals or other negative air quality elements.
• The work is light work, requiring exertion of up to 20 pounds of force to move or lift objects.
•  The following physical and mental abilities are representative of those expected to complete the essential functions of the job: standing for prolonged periods; sitting for prolonged periods; operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment; moving the hands, wrists, or fingers repetitively; moving with force on the back or lower body repetitively; feeling, grasping, or holding objects by hand; identifying colors visually; identifying objects in low light or distant conditions; communicating via spoken language; communicating via written language; perceiving sounds; making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description.