School Psychologist

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Teacher calendar.  Salary as per teacher salary schedule.
 

OAK HILLS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:               SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST                                                                    
REPORTS TO:           Assigned administrator/supervisor
JOB OBJECTIVE:    Provides psycho-educational assessments, program planning and consultation services that are consistent with the district's mission and mandated requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid state department of education license/certificate as determined at the time of appointment.
• Adheres to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.
• Anticipates time constraints.  Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Behavioral management skills substantiated by training/work experience.  Duties may require agility, physical strength, and stamina to address the needs of students with behavior problems.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity.  Accepts personal responsibility for decisions/conduct.
• Exhibits consistent, impartial and resourceful decision-making skills.  Interprets information accurately.  Evaluates options thoroughly.  Develops reasonable solutions to resolve issues.
• Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
            Provides school psychology services.  Pursues ongoing program improvements.

• Communicates program objectives/performance expectations to students/parents and staff.
• Keeps current with state standards/guidelines.  Collaborates with staff, students, families and the community to delineate short/long-range school psychology program needs/opportunities.
• Allots time for individual/group counseling.  Supports the development of curriculum that help students acquire/improve personal skills (e.g., accountability, decision-making, interpersonal communication, problem solving, responsible behavior, self-confidence, etc.).
• Develops/recommends strategies to improve promotion/graduation rates for at-risk students.
• Collaborates with staff to identify/resolve problems that impede student learning.  Helps ensure assessment procedures support non-biased planning activities.
• Follows district protocols to safeguard student information shared with staff and/or referral sources.
• Participates in a differentiated referral system that allows staff/parents to request an evaluation and/or consultation for non-disabled students.
• Documents observations of students in classroom and/or other program settings.
• Investigates student concerns (e.g., abuse/neglect, attendance, discrimination, domestic violence, emotional/behavioral problems, poverty, pregnancy/parenting, self-esteem, substance abuse, etc.).
• Administers diagnostic tests.  Interprets results.  Qualifies students to receive special services.
• Plans/implements student intervention strategies that produce tangible evidence-based benefits within specified time-frames.  Monitors intervention efficacy to improve outcomes.
• Coordinates manifestation determination and functional behavior assessments meetings.
• Assists with the multi-factored evaluation (MFE) process.  Meets mandated paperwork time lines.
• Helps intervention teams prepare Section 504 or individualized educational plans (IEP).
• Helps prepare crisis response plans to address aggressive student behavior as directed.
• Provides opportunities for all students to participate in an inclusive educational environment.
• Advocates for students.  Observes student demeanor.  Investigates/reports atypical behavior.
• Helps students better understand themselves, make appropriate choices and grow academically.  Promotes cultural awareness, self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking and creativity skills.
• Facilitates student learning activities that encourage teamwork and positive peer relationships.
• Checks on absent students as requested.  Helps administrators resolve attendance problems.
• Helps staff with pupil management.  Prepares conduct reports/discipline recommendations.
• Serves as a resource for drug/harassment/violence prevention and related school safety activities.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST                                                                                                             

• Initiates student/family referrals to community services (e.g., legal, health, social services, etc.).  Serves as a contact person for public agencies and an intermediary for parents/staff.
• Provides confidential method for staff to seek professional intervention assistance when requested.

            Exemplifies professionalism and fosters goodwill to enhance the district's public image.

• Contributes to an effective and positive work/learning environment.  Completes all assigned duties.
• Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers.  Functions as part of a cohesive team.
• Encourages community participation in school-sponsored activities.
• Helps students understand/embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Pursues the continuous advancement of academic standards.
• Respects privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.

            Maintains open/effective communications.  Serves as an information resource.

• Actively participates in staff meetings, conferences and other required school activities.
• Prepares/maintains accurate records.  Submits required paperwork on time.
• Provides prompt notification of personal delays or absences.
• Refers district policy interpretation questions to an appropriate administrator.
• Uses active listening and problem-solving techniques to resolve questions/concerns tactfully.
• Uses diplomacy/self-control when dealing with other individuals.  Respects diversity.

            Pursues opportunities to enhance professional performance.

• Keeps current with advances in technology associated with work assignments.
• Maintains applicable credentials.  Complies with all state licensure requirements.
• Works toward mastery of individualized development/performance goals as directed.

            Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Helps manage/eliminate risks.

• Intervenes to prevent/stop bullying and inappropriate student behavior.
• Provides appropriate supervision.  Implements effective pupil management procedures.  Upholds the student conduct code.  Maintains high expectations for acceptable student behavior.
• Reports suspected child abuse/neglect to civil authorities as required by law.
• Watches for situations that may indicate a problem.

            Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

• Assists with unexpected/urgent situations as needed.
• Helps implement workplace initiatives that advance district goals.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Safety is essential to job performance.  Employees must exercise caution and comply with standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, or standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST                                                                                                      

Performance Evaluation:  Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Oak Hills Local School District.

The Oak Hills Local School District is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies primary responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes and unforeseen events.                                                                                              Rev. 11/2011