2026-2027 School Psychologist

Purpose Statemen

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose/s of ensuring the appropriate identification and placement of students with disabilities or for gifted programming; measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological and educational assessments; interpreting and applying state and federal codes; and developing strategies and interventions to address the education needs of students.

This job reports to Director. 

Essential Functions

• Assists with planning and implementation of professional development with district and building staff for the purpose of providing staff with continuing education.
• Assists teachers in creating learner profiles and recommending research-based interventions for the purpose of supporting students.
• Collaborates with district staff such as coordinator, parents, and community for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services and/or programs.
• Compiles information from a variety of sources for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
• Compiles data and writes evaluation reports for the purpose of determining eligibility for Special Education services and/or gifted services.
• Conducts evaluations (e.g. educational, psychological, observations, clinical interviews, and functional behavior assessments, etc.) for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility of services in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Conducts individual and small group lessons on social or affective skills for the purpose of promoting psychological and social/emotional success in the educational setting.
• Consults with administration, teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing relevant information, developing plans, implementing behavioral strategies, and making recommendations.
• Develops behavioral intervention plans, if applicable, for the purpose of promoting academic and behavioral success in school.
• Facilitates and/or participates in meetings and processes (e.g. transition among building programs and grade levels, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining programs and services which provide free and appropriate public education for students meeting eligibility under IDEA or gifted.
• Interprets and explains assessment results and eligibility considerations to others (e.g. parents, teachers, administrators, team members, etc.) for the purpose of determining identification, services, and placement of students.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate student behavior as needed for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and recommending research-based interventions.
• Monitors the gifted or special education process, including compliance indicators, for the purpose of assisting in the provision of the appropriate identification and placement of students.
• Monitors and reviews documentation for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established legal requirements.
• Participates in IEP meetings as needed for the purpose of providing effective support for children.
• Presents information on a variety of topics for the purpose of communicating information and/or gaining feedback.
• Researches new instructional, intervention, behavioral strategies, and/or testing procedures for the purpose of supporting staff and students and promoting success in the school setting.
• Serves as a member of the building level MTSS team as needed for the purpose of assisting staff in the development, implementation and progress monitoring of research based interventions.
• Supervises interns, practicum students and others as needed for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: data-based decision making and accountability; interpersonal collaboration; effective use of cognitive behavioral intervention strategies; crisis intervention; applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: psychology and educational principles; special education or gifted identification process and procedures outlined in the Missouri State Plan; ethical guidelines; familiarity with mental health diagnostic criteria; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; building collaborative relationships; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; and maintaining effective working relationships.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required. 

Education: Masters degree in job-related area.

Equivalency:

Required Testing:

Certificates and Licenses: Missouri School Psychologist Certificate or License issued by the Division of Professional Registration

Continuing Educ. / Training: Maintain Certificate/License

Clearances:  Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Approval Date:  3/4/2020

Salary Grade: Certificated

The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees may be enhanced.

Applicants for Liberty Public Schools must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.