School Psychologist

PURPOSE

To meet the needs of exceptional children by providing services as required by State and Federal guidelines and Special Services manual.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The overall responsibility of the school psychologist is to evaluate students with the effective use of psychological instruments in the proper situations; build and maintain positive, respectful interactions with students; serve as a consultant in regard to effective intervention processes; communicate effectively and appropriately with families and colleagues, building and maintaining positive and productive relationships with colleagues; and maintain confidentiality. This position serves as a resource for information regarding child and adolescent development and psychopathology and provides staff with information regarding governmental regulations and resources for students available through the school or district or external to the district. Duties include creating and maintaining a testing center that is comfortable for students; the creation of standards of conduct for the testing center and the monitoring of students’ behavior against those standards; establishing guidelines for referrals and for meetings; providing process details, supports and effective guidance in regard to special education referrals; and building and maintaining an effective and secure organizational system for records. In addition, the school psychologist administers appropriate evaluation instruments to students that are reflective of the decisions of the evaluation team, ensuring that all procedures and safeguards are faithfully adhered to; prepares detailed student plans that are suitable for the student as determined by the team; develops suitable plans for students, and makes revisions in the plan or program when it is needed. This position will participate actively in school and district events and projects, in professional development based on an individual assessment of need; will display high standards of honesty, integrity, and confidentiality in interactions with colleagues, students and the public; and will advocate for students when needed. The school psychologist understands and adheres to contract obligations, district and building policies.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with others: contributes to the development of a positive school climate; Abides by the Code of Ethics for Idaho Professional Educators and the National Association of School Psychologists Principles for Professional Ethics; Compliance with the requirements of Idaho Code with regard to teacher and school nurse conduct, including but not limited to the manner in which suspected instances of child abuse or suspected student suicidal tendencies are addressed; Adheres to confidentiality with regard to student information; Attends faculty meetings and conferences as directed by the Building Principal and participates in in‑services activities and other professional growth opportunities; Establishes and maintains good working habits including punctuality; Implements the beliefs, mission statement, objectives and parameters of the District’s strategic plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have 60 credit hour master’s degree; Must have 30 graduate credits subsequent to the master’s degree; Must have at least a 1,000 clock hour internship including clinical practicum; Must have certification as a school psychologist and qualification for 80% state exceptional child program reimbursement; Must have current Idaho certification (Pupil Personnel certificate endorsed for school psychologist); Must have proper certification, as required by the State of Idaho, for position assigned; Must successfully be approved as a finalist through the district’s screening process; Must be capable of accomplishing identified Performance Responsibilities; Must be able to communicate proficiently in English including both verbal and written communication with adults and students; The ability to read and understand work related materials; The ability to speak and communicate clearly in lessons to students as well as communications with peers, supervisors, patrons, and parents/guardians; Must be able to accomplish simple mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; The ability to observe and monitor student activities and conduct throughout the instructional day.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to discern verbal conversation and to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person; Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to comprehend written work and assessments, prepare and review documents, and organize documents and materials; Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform repetitive hand/wrist/arm motions and to operate a computer and office equipment; Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to work in an office environment, lifting or moving objects that weigh up to 25 lbs.; Job tasks require, with or without reasonable accommodation, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping; Must have a valid Idaho Driver’s license and a vehicle to drive and/or must provide own transportation for job related activities.

EVALUATION

Yearly by supervisor.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

To be determined by calendar year. As per Idaho Code 65‑5‑1/65‑503: "Eligible veterans are provided advantages in public employment in Idaho…" #J-18808-Ljbffr Sylvania