School Psychologist

JOB TITLE: School Psychologist

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Support

JOB OVERVIEW:    

The School Psychologist at LEAD Public Schools assumes primary responsibility for the clinical and behavioral wellness of the student body, ensuring that mental health supports and behavioral interventions are seamlessly integrated into a positive, supportive school culture. The School Psychologist drives outstanding school-level results by practicing evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and designing interventions that inspire a love of learning by removing emotional barriers to success.

A skilled communicator and clinician, the School Psychologist’s words and actions exemplify the LEAD belief that children do well if they can, families are partners in the work, and that we are all 100% responsible for the holistic development of the child.

As a cornerstone of the Student Support Team (SST), the School Psychologist provides expert consultation and leadership on all aspects of student culture, including behavioral interventions, Tier 3 counseling supports, and the ongoing maintenance of trauma-informed environments. The development of a school- based resource center where interventions and prevention options are consolidated for youth and families position an LPS School Psychologist to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Major Performance Responsibilities and Duties: 

Clinical Intervention & Student Support

• Direct Therapeutic Practice: Provide high-quality, individual and group counseling utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based modalities to address anxiety, depression, and trauma-related barriers to learning.

• Behavioral Expertise: Support the development and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify the root causes of student behavior and co-design corresponding Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) that prioritize student dignity and growth.

• Crisis & Wellness: Serve as a frontline clinical responder for student mental health crises, ensuring immediate support and long-term stabilization plans that facilitate a student’s successful return to the classroom.

• Child Find Practitioner: Following the first year of employment with LPS, the School Psychologist will be responsible for conducting screenings and evaluations to identify students who may be eligible for an individualized education plan(IEP)- and for providing supervision to staff developing competency in these practices who are learning these skills.

Team Leadership & Systems Support

• Provide clinical supervision to school psychology residents completing required program hours at LEAD Public Schools.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Act as a critical voice within the Student Support Team (SST), partnering with school leaders, teachers, and school counselors to align behavioral interventions with the school’s broader culture of joy and high expectations.

• The School Psychologist will have a “home campus,” primarily serving one school, but will work with the Director of Student Support to provide support to all LEAD Public Schools students.  

• S-Team & 504 Consultation: Support the S-Team and 504 process by synthesizing complex clinical data into actionable accommodations, ensuring all school-based interventions are legally compliant and educationally relevant.

Family Partnership & Community Impact

• Inclusive Family Engagement: Partner with families to navigate the complexities of mental health and special education, embodying the LEAD belief that families are essential stakeholders in student success.

• Data-Driven Outcomes: Monitor and report on the effectiveness of clinical interventions, using student data to continuously refine practices and ensure professional efforts are directly improving student outcomes.

• Network Growth: Actively contribute to the LEAD Public Schools professional community, seeking opportunities to scale best practices in school psychology across the network and coaching staff in trauma-informed care.

QUALIFICATIONS

Clinical and Technical Skills

• Assessment Mastery: Proven experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and drafting high-quality, data-driven Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Mastery of the full battery of evaluative assessments will be needed following year one of this role.

• Systems Knowledge: Deep understanding of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, IDEA, and Tennessee-specific special education eligibility criteria.

• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex clinical data for diverse audiences, including families and school teams. 

• Intervention Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in delivering Tier 3 interventions with data that proves impact and reduces the risk/need of students.

  • Certification in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is preferred.

Beliefs and Mindsets

• Student Focus: Belief in all students’ ability to succeed in college, post-secondary work, and life; commitment to advancing growth and opportunities for all students.

• Achievement Orientation: Focus on student outcomes and resilience in achieving goals.

• Commitment to Learning and Growing: Excited to participate in ongoing professional development to advance skills and share learnings with others.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in a school-based environment (K-12), preferably in an urban school setting and with a multi-lingual community

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree or Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Psychology from an accredited university or college required.

• Must hold or be eligible for a valid Tennessee Department of Education license with a School Psychologist endorsement (089).

• Certification: Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) status is highly preferred.

APPLICATION

To learn more about the work of LEAD Public Schools and to apply, please go to www.leadpublicschools.org.  

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, including full benefits and technology provisions.

LEAD Public Schools Non-Discrimination Policy

LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,

ancestry, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical

condition, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information,

or veteran status in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs and activities.

LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices and

complies with applicable federal and state regulations, including those implementing Title

IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990.