School Psychologist

Position Description:

• Reporting to the Director of Pupil Appraisal in the Student Support Unit, the Psychologist is responsible for providing direct services to local schools, such as consultation concerning intervention strategies, referrals and follow-up, assessment, and in-service.
• Assists the special education department in collecting and compiling data needed for district, state and federal reports, and assists school staff in the development of structured behavioral management programs.  

Scope of Responsibility:

• Explains and interprets the assessment program to parents, teachers, principals and school system personnel.
• Administers, interprets, scores and records findings of a variety of psychological tests.
• Procures necessary information pertinent to individual student case studies.
• Coordinates individual student evaluations as assigned or designated and submits within specified timelines.
• Participates in interpreting test results and in planning appropriate programs for individual children.
• Communicates findings and recommendations to parents and appropriate school personnel.
• Makes specific recommendations for placement or for program adaptations relative to the student’s academic, social and emotional functioning.
• Acts as a Psycho-Educational Consultant to schools in developing preventive strategies for children needing special services.
• Organizes and conducts inservice training with school personnel.
• Establishes working relationships with professionals and community agencies.
• Observes students in classroom or on campus behaviors, consulting with teachers regarding professional recommendations and impressions.  
• Consults with teachers, parents and appropriate persons regarding the significance of psychological data to the learning and/or behavioral process.
• Leads parent training groups for parents of students with disabilities as appropriate.
• Functions as evaluation coordinator for designated, referred students.
• Participates in special education eligibility determinations when possible.
• Assists in maintaining accurate case records on all children regarding enrollment in the educational assessment program, initial screening and individual evaluation, and other services provided by the School Psychologist in accordance with the requirements of parish, state, and federal laws, regulations, and/or policies.
• Reviews private vendor evaluations, monitors system evaluations, and completes appropriate documentation.
• Assists school personnel in conducting functional behavioral assessments and developing class-wide and individualized behavioral intervention plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Appraisal.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in school psychology or related field.
• Appropriate certification as a School Psychologist as described in Bulletin 746 of the Louisiana Department of Education.
• Working knowledge of federal/state laws and regulations as well as JPPSS policies relevant to special education.
• Provide own transportation for itinerant responsibilities. Desirable Qualifications:
• Three (3) years of successful experience in school psychology.
• Ability to use at least two languages to facilitate learning by students and communication with parents.

Physical Involvement:

• Sitting is required part of each work day.  
• Must be able to operate office equipment.  
• Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10 pounds is sometimes required.  
• Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations and meeting sites.  
• Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.

Compensation:

• JPPSS offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience and a competitive benefits package.