Compass Program Psychologist

POSITION TITLE: Psychologist

LOCATION: Compass Program

HOURS OF WORK: 8 Hours Daily / 197 Calendar Days Yearly

STATUS: Certified – Contract

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Compass Program is a short-term alternative program that provides intensive behavior and social-emotional intervention to students to prepare them for a successful transition as they return to the comprehensive school setting. The school psychologist partners with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. This position is responsible for providing direct support and interventions to students; consultation with teachers and other school-employed practitioners; collaboration with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and partnering with community providers for student success.

Responsibilities and required skills are aligned with the ten domains of the NASP Practice Model. In recognition of the department’s work toward providing outstanding school psychological services, the Olathe School District has achieved the distinction of “Proficient” from the NASP Excellence in School Psychological Services program.

This position is part of the Compass Program and reports to the Compass Program principal.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide instruction to students in multiple grade levels, as needed based on Compass Program enrollment.

• Utilize PBIS as well as other district adopted Social-Emotional curriculum and instructional tools as a primary method of teaching and supporting students related to social-emotional well-being.

• Attend, engage, and implement learning from in-service training, team meetings, and

• Professional learning.

• Engage and contribute in meetings with school team, communities, departments, districts, parents, and school(s).

• Maintain comprehensive and precise record of student progress and required documentation.

• Participate in academic, extracurricular, and professional support activities.

• Positively support and correct inconducive behavior in accordance with district procedures and rules including use of PBIS and ESI.

• Conduct psychoeducational assessments as a part of IDEA-compliant educational evaluations

• Collaborate with teams to design appropriate plans and strategies for students with disabilities

• Provide direct support and interventions to students

• Utilize screening and/or evaluation results to guide team decision-making

• Guide teams in navigating special education processes and procedures

• Support implementation of school-wide practices to promote learning

• Provide or support services that promote safe and supportive schools, including crisis prevention and intervention

• Perform other duties as assigned

• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Kansas teaching license with “School Psychologist” endorsement required (including school psychology interns with KSDE licensure); OR

• School psychology students with an existing related KSDE license AND a Work Authorization from the Kansas Association of School Psychologists (KASP)
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Willingness and ability to support students who may exhibit extreme behaviors, including elopement, physical aggression (e.g., hitting, kicking), and verbal outbursts, with a calm, consistent, and supportive approach.

• Ability to intervene safely and appropriately and contribute to a team committed to success

• of all students.

• Background in trauma informed care practices and willingness to continue to learn to best support in a trauma informed manner.

• Extensive understanding of IDEA and other related legal and procedural requirements

• Demonstrated ability in compiling, organizing, and analyzing data to guide decision-making

• Ability to collaborate with and provide consultation to diverse groups and individual stakeholders, including families, colleagues, and the community

• Knowledge of academic, mental health, and behavioral health interventions

• Training or knowledge of crisis preparedness, response and recovery

• Ability to self-initiate areas of opportunity, make recommendations for improvement, and follow up as necessary to achieve desired results

• High degree of motivation, responsibility, and confidentiality

• Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills

• Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.

• High degree of confidentiality, motivation, and responsibility.

• Highly collaborative team player.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, etc.).

• Ability to identify areas of improvement and opportunity and follow-up to obtain results.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires the performance of medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The position includes occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.

The position must be able to discern and prepare data to communicate information with parents, staff, and students. The position requires occasionally moving between buildings and at times remaining in a stationary position.

IMPORTANT EMPLOYMENT STATEMENTS

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. Olathe Public Schools reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Olathe Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs, activities or employment as required by applicable federal and state laws.

CLOSING DATE: 2/1/26

CLEARANCES REQUIRED: Background Clearance, Criminal Justice Fingerprint, and TB Test.