School Psychologist

POSITION TITLE: Psychologist

REPORTS TO:  Director of Special Education 

BASIC FUNCTION:  Conduct psychological assessments of students, and serve as the primary evaluator for diagnosis of disability and eligibility determination for students who have been referred for specialized instruction and related services. 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:  The terms of employments are designated by the contract.

• Conduct psychological assessment, utilizing a variety of techniques and measure, including standardized instruments, performance/curriculum based data collection, behavior observations, interviews and rating scales, to evaluate academic skills, learning aptitudes, personality and emotional development, social skills, learning environments and school climate.
• Interpret evaluation results and complete a written integrated, multidisciplinary report of findings, including diagnosis and eligibility components, educational implications, recommendations, classroom/instructional modifications and accommodations, for students referred for specialized instruction and related services. 
•  Participate in Admissions and Release Committee meetings, as requested to assist in the referral process, identity, develop and monitor appropriate educational and behavioral strategies and interventions, develop an evaluation plan, present evaluations findings, diagnose specific disabilities and provide leadership in determining eligibility for special education and related serves in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. 
• Provide, when possible, individual and small group psychological and supportive counseling services to children and youth, based upon the identified mental health needs of the student. 
• Assist in conducting threat assessments and in developing school-wide initiatives to make schools safer and more effective, while helping foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in the school setting
• Provide social skills training, behavior management and other strategies focused on the development of specific competencies for student s who demonstrate deficiencies, as well as engage in primary prevention activities for at-rick populations. 
• Utilize current knowledge about learning and behavior to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management systems and other services as requested. 
• Performs other duties as assigned  

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Current assessment instruments
• Psychology theory, child development, substance abuse and crisis management  
• To interpret evaluation results and complete a written integrated multidisciplinary report
• Special Education due process
• Current student information system
• Current research for the purpose of competent identification of special education students

ABILITY TO:

• Practically apply assessment, counseling, interviewing and crisis intervention skills 

• Work cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member 

• Communicate effectively both in writing and orally 

•  Synthesize and interpret diagnostic and assessment data 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
• Requires bending, squatting , crawling, climbing, reaching
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights

EVALUATION:  Annual development of Professional Growth Plan.  Annual evaluation of job performance by supervisor.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s Degree in Psychology

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Kentucky Certificate for School Psychologist