School Psychologist 2026-2027 SY

Reports to: Director of Special Education

General Definition of Work: To complete psychological assessments for those students referred for evaluation and to hold conferences with parents of the students who have been evaluated

Essential Functions:

• Administers, scores, and interprets diagnostic instruments, including intelligence, achievements, adaptive behavior, personality, perceptual, motor development, and other instruments used to assess the learning and behavioral needs of students
• Provides an integrated written report of findings and recommendations following the assessment
• Selects appropriate methods/tests to ensure an unbiased, non-discriminatory evaluation of an individual student. The School Psychologist is familiar with reviews on research, old and new tests, and disseminates such information as necessary
• Discusses psychological implications of students’ behavior and test results with school personnel as needed
• Meets with parents of children who have been evaluated to assist them in understanding the learning and adjustment process of the child and the specific recommendations
• Maintains separate records of all referrals and their disposition
• Serves as a liaison and consultant for the Intervention and Support Team (IST). Specific duties include: attending IST meetings in a consultant capacity; providing educational recommendations to implement in the school setting; providing recommendations and consultant services to be used; administering and interpreting screening tests; consulting with classroom teachers regarding the child and techniques to implement; and suggesting specific resources and support services to help meet the child’s needs
• Conducts classroom observations and conducts student interviews per the IST recommendations
• Conducts, when necessary, follow-up conferences with parents whose children have been through the IST process, especially when therapeutic supports have been recommended
• Provides information to the Director of Special Education regarding current (unusual or difficult) IST cases
• Consults with principals, instructional supervisors, and other school personnel regarding IST cases
• Consults with principals, instructional supervisors, and other school personnel regarding IST cases when necessary
• Provides information to the IST chairpersons regarding special education regulations/requirements
• Meets with parents of those students who have been through the eligibility process to review and interpret the results of the evaluation and the recommendations of the Eligibility Committee
• Meets with school personnel (principals, teachers, administrative staff) when requested in a consultative capacity
• Attends/participates in other parent conferences when requested
• Maintains contact and cooperates with other agencies providing services to Amherst County Public Schools students, e.g., Mental Health agencies, Child Development Clinic, private psychologists, etc.
• Serves as a consultant to other professionals/organizations and community agencies regarding Amherst County Public School students
• Consults with staff members in planning school programs to meet the school needs of children as indicated by psychological testing, interviews, and behavioral evaluations
• Provides emergency intervention counseling when needed
• Provide intervention through IST work, consultation, and conferences with parents, teachers, and school personnel
• Serves as a child advocate. The child’s learning and adjustment needs are the primary focus in intervention strategies. The School Psychologist serves to broaden the focus of intervention strategies. The School Psychologist serves to broaden the professional’s understanding of the psychological forces that influence a given referral situation
• Conducts follow-up contacts with the student and those working with him/her, following a diagnostic work-up as necessary
• Conducts student interviews and makes classroom observations when requested
• Serves as an Eligibility Committee member. The School Psychologist provides the Eligibility Committee with psychological data and information as a member of the committee. The School Psychologist conducts eligibility parent follow-up conferences. These follow-up conferences are arranged with the principal of the school the child attends
• Attends meetings with the Director of Special Education to increase departmental communication and to discuss current cases and issues. The School Psychologist discusses and reviews test results with the Director before eligibility, and individual cases are discussed
• Works with the Director cooperatively on cases and consults with each other regarding special education procedures and services
• Participates in Individualized Education Program conferences and assists in developing IEP’s when necessary
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education
• Discusses with the Director of Special Education cases and issues regarding special education programs and procedures
• Completes necessary recordkeeping, correspondence, and reports
• Works with the Director to review and revise/update special education forms and procedures as needed
• Maintains test materials, orders materials when necessary
• Provides in-services when requested, for example, on the IST or screening instruments and interpretation. The School Psychologist works with the Director on developing in-services as needed.
• Reviews journals and research articles and attends conferences to keep abreast of new research in the field
• Other duties as apparent or assigned

Education and Job Experience:

Valid certificate to meet state requirements with specific endorsement as a School Psychologist

Professional qualifications and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, teachers, principals, and other adults

License/Endorsements: Valid certificate to meet state requirements with specific endorsement as a School Psychologist

Contract Period: 11 months

FLSA Status: Exempt

Amherst County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer