School Psychologist

Overview

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The purpose of this classification is to provide direct support and interventions for students with a variety of exceptionalities; participate in professional development activities that focus on the Whole Child/Whole Student; and are members of a community of school psychologists that prioritize best practices and professional growth that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach.

Using a school-based structure, our school psychologists are integral members of individual school communities. Our district has a number of unique educational settings that include magnet schools, charter schools, Washington Alternative School, and the Dawn School that serves students with disabilities that require intensive specialized instruction to address their social and emotional needs.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates an ability to synthesize data from psycho-educational evaluations and develops recommendations regarding (a) IDEA/TDOE eligibility and (b) instructional and educational programming.
• Conducts assessments that are appropriate given the areas of concern and according to professional standards that are consistent with best practices.
• Ensures initial assessments and triennial reevaluations meet the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Department of Education, including the 60 calendar-day timeline for initial assessments, the triennial deadline for reevaluations, and the use of TDOE forms for the documentation of these events.
• Provides psychological reports that contain evidence of multi-sourced assessments as dictated by the TDOE assessment procedures/eligibility criteria.
• Conducts assessments and reevaluations that give consideration to the characteristics of the student or group of students, including but not limited to ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and disability considerations.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) related to a student’s Individualized Educational Plan.
• Serves on school-based teams such as RTI2 Instructional Data Review Teams and/or RTI2 Behavior Support Teams and monitors student progress for academic and behavioral needs.
• Consults with teachers and other school staff on classroom or building-based needs.
• Assists in the coordination of services between the school system and other relevant agencies in an effort to facilitate services for students.
• Provides in-service programs for building-based staff and parents.
• Consults with teachers, families, and school staff to develop instructional strategies and intervention plans.
• Develops and maintains a positive rapport, communicating regularly with teachers, students, and parents/guardians on student progress.
• Assists families in navigating special education processes and connects them with community resources.
• Demonstrates professionalism in both written and verbal communication.
• Maintains records including psycho-educational evaluation reports, evaluation protocols, Assessment Documentation Logs, and State documentation (uploads contacts, etc.).
• Administers vision and hearing screenings for all evaluations and maintains assessment timelines and required documentation.
• Provides individual and group mental health counseling.
• Collaborates with school administrators to implement positive behavioral supports, improve school practices, and promote social-emotional learning.
• Provides crisis prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery services.
• Supports school functions, including arrival/dismissal duties and classroom coverage.
• Coordinates and participates in IEP meetings, eligibility determinations, and manifestation determination reviews .
• Travels to school locations and other locations throughout the district to perform job duties.
• Complies with applicable district, state, and federal codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law.
• Acts in a professional, respectful, and welcoming manner at all times.
• Creates a customer-focused climate and provides quality services and support to schools, community, businesses, Superintendent of Schools, Board of Education, and other stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively with all stakeholders.
• Follows established procedures to ensure assigned areas are safe.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Attends work and arrives to work on time.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field;
• One (1) year of related working experience;
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Candidates must hold a valid state of Tennessee School Psychologist license
• Must maintain a valid state issued driver’s license.
• Educational Specialist Degree ED.S. preferred.
• This is an itinerant/district-wide position. Schools and base will be assigned following hire.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of IDEA (2004), IDEA regulations (2006), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, and TN rules and regulations and transition from IDEA Part C that apply to schools.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to be a positive team-player and communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, students, and families.
• Ability to maintain a system of confidentiality for records and files.
• Ability to be coached and receive feedback in order to advance learning and growth for students.
• Ability to maintain a high level of personal standards, professionalism, and integrity.
  
  

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.

Grade: L

Salary Scale

This position may be eligible for an increase in total compensation. The Differentiated Compensation Plan applies to designated schools and hard-to-staff positions. Please see our website for more details.