School Psychologist

I. BASIC FUNCTION

The Psychologist is a specialist in the application of psychological methods and
techniques to the educational process. Through evaluative and consultative services, the
Psychologist endeavors to help students derive as much benefit as possible from their
educational experiences. To facilitate these functions, the Psychologist works
cooperatively with other administrators, teachers, parents, additional pupil personnel
service workers and outside agencies.

II. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

The Psychologist assesses the abilities and limitations of students as individuals and as
members of peer groups so as to assist in the creation and implementation of an
educational program best suited to individualized needs. The major goal is to understand and interpret psychological and social dynamics in an educational framework.

The Psychologist shall:

A. Instructional Support Team

1. Be an active and contributing member of the Instructional Support Team. The major goal of the team is to provide suggestions to classroom teachers for those students who are experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties. Students may also be referred for additional services or assessments when needed.

B. Psychological Evaluations

1. Be responsible for performing psychological evaluations.

C. Evaluation, Identification, and Recommendation for Placement

1. Be responsible for psychological evaluation and provide information to be used in placement of pupils (from schools to which he/she is assigned) to special education programs maintained by the District, Intermediate Unit, and approved private schools.



Psychologist (continued)

II. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (continued)

D. Special Education

1. Consult with the Director of Pupil Services to develop existing special
education programs and to expand special education resources when
needed.

2. Provide consultation to teachers regarding the instructional needs of
mainstreamed students, as needed and in addition to that which is provided
by special education teachers.

3. Assist in the development of the district-wide special education budget.

4. Develop a working understanding of state and federal law as they apply to special education, assist in the interpretation of such laws for district staff, and be responsible for the consistent implementation of such laws in areas of job responsibility.

E. Liaison (Parents, Community, & Other Agencies)

1. At the direction of the Superintendent of Schools or the Director of Pupil Services, act as a direct liaison between parents, community resources and other agencies. These may include the development of functional relationships with the following resources:

a. Mental health centers

b. Children & Youth Services

c. Private schools for special education

d. Clinics and hospitals

e. Intermediate Unit #15 - Special Education Coordinators’ Meetings as directed

f. Preschool programs

g. Legal entities

F. Educational Research

1. Conduct educational research upon personal initiative or as directed.



II. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (continued)

G. Other Duties

1. Perform functions necessary to support a systematic program of
psychological services. These functions may include the following
areas:

a. Maintain and update data concerning area clinics, agencies, and programs for special pupil services.

b. Assist in the preparation of the annual budget for psychological services.

c. Maintain accurate and current records and files for pupils seen for psychological services.

d. Pursue professional growth and development.

e. Consult with the Student Assistance Teams in an effort to integrate services.

f. Contribute to district-wide policy development pertaining to psychological services.

g. Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.



III. PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS

A. Superintendent of Schools

The Psychologist is ultimately responsible to the Superintendent of Schools for
the completion of those responsibilities directly related to the Superintendent’s area of supervision.

B. Director of Pupil Services

The Psychologist is directly responsible to the Director of Pupil Services.

C. Principals

The Psychologist provides consultation, advice, and recommendations to the
principals concerning psychological services.



D. District Staff

The Psychologist consults, advises, and recommends to other District personnel
concerned with pupil services. Primary lines of communication include
information flow and feedback between the Psychologist and:

1. Director of Pupil Services
2. Building level and District level administrators
3. Guidance Counselors
4. Nurses
5. Teachers, and
6. Parents

E. Public

The Psychologist shall strive at all times to maintain a working relationship with the public and community that is conducive to the achievement of the goals of the District and which provides for a healthy and positive working relationship.