What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at Foster School Department - Captain Isaac Paine?
The School Psychologist collaborates with staff, colleagues, families, and administrators to enhance students’ academic achievement, social–emotional development, behavioral functioning, and overall mental health. The School Psychologist provides comprehensive psychological services, including assessment, consultation, intervention, and counseling, and actively participates on multidisciplinary teams (e.g., MTSS, crisis teams, IEP, TQP and 504 teams). All services should align with school and district goals to support a personalized, rigorous, relevant, and collaborative learning environment. The school psychologists provides a full range of school psychological services to children ages 3-21, including design and implementation of classroom interventions; student screening and assessments; IEP development; consultation to staff and parents, delivery of professional development for staff; analysis of data; and crisis intervention.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The School Psychologist works under the supervision of building and district administrators and exercises independent professional judgment aligned with district and school missions. Performance is periodically reviewed, and ongoing professional growth is expected. Evaluation follows RIDE guidelines and district policy.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Psychologist will actively support school and district missions by performing duties including, but not limited to:
Assessment & Evaluation
Conduct screenings and comprehensive evaluations using appropriate instruments to assess academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and psychological needs.
Interpret and summarize assessment results; present findings at MTSS, IEP, 504, and evaluation meetings.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform interventions, monitor student progress, and determine effectiveness of services.
Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to identify the underlying causes of challenging behaviors and to guide the development of effective behavior intervention plans.
Provide necessary evaluations to children in the Early Intervention Process and students needing preschool evaluations.
Complete all documentation, reports, and evaluation requirements accurately and on time.
Intervention & Counseling
Provide individual and small-group counseling to support academic, behavioral, and social–emotional development.
Develop, implement, and progress-monitor evidence-based interventions, accommodations, and behavior supports in collaboration with educators and families.
Develop behavior intervention plans in alliance with analyzed data
Offer crisis intervention and support during emergencies, including completing required documentation and participating in follow-up activities.
Consultation & Collaboration
Collaborate with educators, administrators, and service providers to create supports that promote social emotional learning, inclusion and student success in the least restrictive environment.
Consult with staff on MTSS implementation, pre-referral interventions, and modifications to support students in general education settings.
Provide guidance to staff and parents regarding mental health needs, behavior management, and available community resources.
Serve as a case manager for assigned students, coordinating and monitoring individualized educational and therapeutic programs.
Family & Community Engagement
Maintain ongoing communication with families regarding students’ progress, supports, and educational planning.
Refer students and families to community resources when support needs extend beyond school capacity.
Foster collaborative relationships with outside agencies to support student well-being.
Schoolwide Support
Participate in professional learning communities to advance rigorous, relevant, and personalized learning.
Contribute to school operations, safety initiatives, and positive school culture.
Provide professional development, training, and supervision for staff, paraprofessionals, and volunteers regarding intervention strategies and mental health topics.
Disseminate clear, accurate, and positive information regarding school and district goals.
Professional Expectations
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Adhere to state and federal special education procedures and district policies.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliable attendance, and effective communication skills.
Perform duties consistent with RI Professional Teaching Standards, the RI Professional Code of Conduct, and administrative directives.
Participate in data input services for Medicaid billing, use the web-based IEP system
Carry out other related duties as assigned.