What are the responsibilities and job description for the 1268 School Psychologist (Sioux City and surrounding area) position at Northwest Area Education Agency Sioux City?
Job Summary
The School Psychologist, in partnership with educators, families and communities, integrates consultative, coaching, and collaborative services within educational systems. School psychologists assist in the identification of educational needs regarding behavioral, social, emotional, academic and vocational functioning for students, consult with school personnel and families around planning and implementation of appropriate instructional programs and provide intervention supports and services for individuals and groups of students.
Working within the agency's educational framework, the school psychologist fosters positive learning environments, ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines, and enhances the overall success of learners B-21.
Qualifications
- Education:
- Master’s or Specialist’s degree in School Psychology, with at least 60 graduate semester hours in psychology and education.
- Licensure:
- Valid Iowa Board of Educational Examiners license with school psychologist endorsement (B-21).
Essential Functions
- Consultation, Collaboration, and Coaching:
- Act as a liaison among the agency, local schools, families, and community organizations to support learners’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
- Collaborate, consult, and coach educators in Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
- Provide consultation and coaching to general and special education teachers on instructional strategies and behavior management.
- Assessment and Intervention
- Facilitate the implementation of the Child Find and reevaluation processes, including evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services.
- Assist in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) aligned with state and federal requirements.
- Instructional Support
- Support teachers in adapting curriculum and instructional methods to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.
- Model and coach evidence-based instructional strategies, including co-teaching and differentiated instruction.
- Assist schools in using data to make informed decisions about instructional practices.
- Compliance and Documentation
- Maintain documentation of activities and ensure confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.
- Ensure adherence to IDEA regulations, state policies, and agency procedures.
- Provide professional development and training to educators, staff, and families to enhance the implementation of effective educational practices.
- Professional Development
- Participate in internal and external (as directed) professional learning activities to stay current with trends and evidence-based practices
Additional Responsibilities
- Advocate for learners with disabilities and promote inclusive practices
- Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments to support teams with developing Behavior Intervention Plans for students
- Conduct evaluations of learners’ educational skills related to academic skills and adaptive behaviors necessary for student success
- Design and model specific instructional strategies to address the unique impact of an individual’s disability on their educational progress
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and objectives of the department, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in response to changing needs and priorities
- School psychologists are authorized to verify services that are reimbursable through Medicaid.
Skills and Abilities
- Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making
- Intervention Design and Implementation
- Cultural Competence and Sensitivity
- Technology Integration
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Communication Skills and Documentation
- Time Management