SY 26-27 School Psychologist

The School Psychologist is responsible for delivering a high-quality instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district.

Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary license in: 
• School Psychologist -  All levels
• SEI Endorsement preferred
• Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
• Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents and advocate for children in order to effectively problem solve
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and ability to work with all stakeholders
• Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The School Psychologist will:

• Complete comprehensive psycho-educational assessments in accordance with federal and state special education regulations and district policy in the following areas: cognitive, academic, social/emotional, behavioral, adaptive behavior, sensory/motor and other factors pertinent to the child’s learning capacity.  
• Interpret assessment findings to students, parents, staff and others concerned with the welfare of students.
• Assist in the identification of students who are at risk of educational failure. 
• Participate in school-based pre-referral activities.
• Assist in designing programs for children identified as at risk for failure. Assist in school-wide initiatives to make schools safer and conducive to learning.
• Provide teachers and other professionals with consultation services that will assist them in helping each student reach their potential in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Conduct classroom screening to assist teachers in planning effective educational strategies for all students.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of behavior management programs and behavioral support plans.
• Provide crisis counseling and intervention. 
• Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, social, and developmental concerns.
• Participate on a variety of school-based teams to assist in intervention planning and program planning (Crisis Team, solution-seeking team, SCAN Team, 504 Team, Special Education Team, and Re-Entry Team).
• Provide in-service opportunities for staff. Participate in district-wide or departmental in-service activities to maintain currency in knowledge and skills.
• Participate in school-based or district-wide initiatives addressing student, school, or district needs.
• Work cooperatively with all school staff to enhance the services offered to all students in the school system.
• Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues;
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy;
• Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification;
• Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner;
• Strive to maintain and improve professional competence especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness;
• Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students;
• Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including, implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English Learners;
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the building Principal, SPSA, Director of Pupil Services, and Director of Special Education.

Reports to:        Principal/SPSA

Evaluated by:    Principal/SPSA

Terms of Employment/Salary/Work Year:

As negotiated by the Fitchburg School Committee and the Fitchburg Education Association (FEA). Opportunity to work remotley one day per week with supervisor approval. 

Competitive and comprehensive health benefits are offered through the City of Fitchburg; www.fitchburgma.gov/benefits. 

An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of NCBC (fingerprinting) and CORI prior to your start of employment. 

The responsibilities and duties listed are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned as required.

Notice of Non-Discrimination
The School Committee’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, employees, and the general public with whom it does business. Fitchburg Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability in admission to, access to, employment in, or equal treatment in its programs and/or activities in compliance with state and federal law.
Questions related to this policy must be addressed to: The Office of Human Resources, 376 South Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, HR@Fitchburg.k12.ma.us

Salary : $63,372 - $108,891