School Psychologist PK-12

NOTICE OF POSITION VACANCY

Position:                    School Psychologist PK-12

Contact Agency:       Jefferson County Educational Service Center 

                                    2023 Sunset Boulevard

                                    Steubenville, Ohio 43952

Work Location:         Ohio’s Appalachian Region in a High Need District as defined by DEW Grant.  *See list at end of application.

Salary:                        Based upon education, workdays and experience on the salary schedule

Current Grant Benefits:   $2,000.00 Hiring Bonus

                                            $1,500.00 Retention Bonus for first two years  

                                              *Two-year employment commitment

Employment Date:    26/27, 27/28 School Years

Contract: Varies by placement (180- 215 day)

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Valid Ohio School Psychologist certificate/license
• Knowledge and experience in measures of psycho-educational assessment and interpretation

General Purpose:

School Psychologists support students’ learning, social development, and mental and behavioral health using problem-solving, assessment, data-based decision-making, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions. School psychologists collaborate and consult with educators, families, and other professionals to help create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students. 

General Responsibilities:

School psychologists provide a comprehensive range of services as described in the current standards from the National Association of School Psychologists while complying with federal and state model policies and procedures, completing all required reports and record keeping in accordance with required timelines, and maintaining confidentiality. The school psychologist functions as part of the district’s Student Support Services Team. This team collaboratively provides a multi-tiered system of support through the implementation and monitoring of evidence-based behavioral and academic interventions for all students in need. The services provided should reflect the specific needs of the students, families, and schools served and address the following non-exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations:

Duties:

Data-Based Decision-Making and Accountability:

School psychologists utilize varied models and methods of assessment and data collection for identifying the strengths and needs of individual students and the broader school community, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes. Collaboration will occur with intervention-based assistance teams and/or assist with interventions and progress monitoring in an MTSS system.

Consultation and Collaboration:

School psychologists consult and collaborate with colleagues, students, families, and other stakeholders to promote effective implementation of services.

Interventions and Instructional Support to Develop Academic Skills:

School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data collection methods to implement and evaluate services that support cognitive and academic skills. Comprehensive evaluations will be completed for individual students suspected of having a disability, interpret results, and provide a written report. Evaluations will also be completed for gifted and talented programs.

Interventions and Mental Health Services to Develop Social and Life Skills:

School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data-collection methods to implement and evaluate services that support socialization, learning, and mental and behavioral health, including but not limited to behavioral support, individual and group counseling, and social skills training.

School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning:

School psychologists develop and implement practices and strategies to create and maintain effective and supportive learning environments for children and others (e.g., positive behavior interventions and supports).

Preventive and Responsive Services:

School psychologists promote services that enhance learning, mental and behavioral health, safety, and physical well-being through protective and adaptive factors and implement effective crisis preparation, response, and recovery.

Family–School Collaboration Services:

School psychologists implement and evaluate services that respond to culture and context and facilitate family and school partnerships and interactions with community agencies for the enhancement of academic and social–behavioral outcomes for children.

Diversity in Development and Learning:

School psychologists provide effective professional services that promote effective functioning for individuals, families, and schools with diverse characteristics, cultures, and backgrounds and across multiple contexts, with the recognition that an understanding and respect for diversity in development and learning and advocacy for social justice are foundations for all aspects of service delivery.

Research and Program Evaluation:

School psychologists evaluate and apply research as a foundation for service delivery and, in collaboration with others, use various techniques and technology resources for data collection, measurement, and analysis to support effective practices at the individual, group, and/or systems levels.

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice:

School psychologists provide services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards; engage in responsive ethical and professional decision-making; collaborate with other professionals; and apply professional work characteristics needed for effective practice as school psychologists, including respect for human diversity and social justice, communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, responsibility, adaptability, initiative, dependability, and technology skills.

Working Conditions, Environment, and Physical Requirements:   

Qualified applicants will possess good oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving, and consultation and collaboration skills. Oral and written communication is required for sharing information with staff and parents. Computer processing and data entry are required for this position. Visual acuity and hearing are required for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment of less than 25 pounds and assisting with students may be required. The ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with multiple deadlines, a variety of people and personnel, and frequent interruptions is required. The school psychologist also may be asked to perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks. 

Other Opportunities:

School psychologists have the opportunity to participate in various departmental and district-wide initiatives, including but not limited to serving on advisory groups or steering committees, and providing professional development and mentorship or supervision (depending on experience). Professional development opportunities are provided as well as membership to state and national organizations.