School Psychologist - Various Sites

• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
  
  

Employment Type:

Full-time

Base Salary:

$78,652.00

Calandar:

Certified Exempt, 193 workdays

Benefits:

Sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Performance Pay:

Available annually

New Hire Experience:

$500 for each full-time year of certified psychologist experience

New Hire Education:

$65/hour of graduate level credits: MA 60 hours max, $1,000 for advanced degrees (PhD or Ed.D)

Job Summary:

The School Psychologist provides comprehensive school psychological services to students in elementary, junior high and high schools. This position is under the direction of the Coordinator of School Psychological Services.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluator of individual students, following best practices and district procedures in identification, evaluation, and placement of potential special education students and re-evaluation of students previously found eligible for special education services
• Consultant regarding educational and mental health needs of students
• Emphasize application of psychological and mental health principles in the school setting
• Assist school staff in understanding and using group measurement data
• Encourage the use of data-based decision making and research-based interventions
• Assist school staff to analyze student behavior and provide positive behavioral supports
• Assist in understanding of student differences and individual student needs
• Encourage and assist in the development of programs to provide special education help needed by students
• Assist teachers in the development of appropriate classroom interventions for instructional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students
• Active member of the school staff contributing to the objectives of the school, suggest desirable organizational systems to administrators and assist with research to evaluate and improve learning, as requested
• Provide social skills training, counseling, and/or behavioral coaching as indicated in a student’s IEP or 504 plan limited individual and group counseling for students, if time permits
• Act as Liaison between the school and community by assisting in school/community problem resolution and work with community agencies to coordinate student’s educational needs
• Conduct psychological and educational assessments to identify learning and behavioral challenges; interpret results to guide individualized education plans (IEPs) and interventions
• Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support for students dealing with social, emotional, or behavioral issues
• Design programs to promote mental health and prevent school-related issues like bullying, dropout, or substance abuse
• Offer training and workshops for staff to improve classroom management, diversity awareness, and student engagement
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools
  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or a related field
• Master’s degree in psychology or special education
• School Psychologist Certification by Arizona Department of Education or Psychologist License by Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners
• Hours of supervised internship
• 1-3 years of experience in school or clinical psychology
  
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Expertise in administering and interpreting cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and educational assessments
• Ability to analyze data from assessments and progress monitoring to develop evidence-based recommendations
• Proficiency in creating and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), and mental health programs
• Skills in managing crises, such as trauma, suicidal ideation, or bullying incidents, with appropriate and timely responses
• Familiarity with software tools for tracking student progress, maintaining records, and conducting virtual consultations
• Ability to understand and address the emotional and psychological needs of students
• Adherence to ethical standards set by organizations like the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA)
• Understanding and respecting cultural diversity to provide inclusive support for students from varied backgrounds
• Stay current with trends, techniques, and legislation through ongoing education or certification renewal
• Ability to train staff in classroom management, mental health awareness, and intervention strategies
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• May work across multiple schools or campuses within a district
• Offices for confidential consultations, as well as classrooms or common areas for observations and interventions
• Exposure to sensitive or challenging situations, such as trauma, family crises, or student behavioral issues, requiring emotional resilience
• Ability to move between classrooms, offices, and meeting areas throughout the day
• Extended periods of sitting during assessments, consultations, or report writing
• Frequent use of computers, tablets, and other devices for record-keeping, assessments, and communication
• Occasional lifting or transporting of materials such as test kits, files, or presentation equipment typically less than 20 lbs.
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.