School Psychologist

School Psychologist

Position Goal: To enable students to derive the fullest possible educational experience from school by promoting their sense of self and by assessing and identifying educational needs through the evaluation process.

Essential Functions: Other duties may be assigned. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following fundamental duties:

• Assess difficulties of referred students through appropriate testing and diagnostic practices
• Administer tests and recommend placement for all exceptional and new students as determined under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations
• Help identify within the school all types of exceptional children
• Maintain case records on all referred students
• Recommend clear and obtainable corrective procedures
• Conduct individual assessment for children whose diagnosed problems would benefit from behavior modification
• Confer with teachers and parents whenever necessary
• Consult on special education needs of mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed and slow learning children
• Interpret the school psychological services to teachers and parents
• Prepare and submit required reports on children in a timely manner
• Observe special education classes when necessary as part of an assessment
• Cooperate with personnel of community health and social welfare agencies when in possession of proper releases
• Attend meetings in conjunction with assignments
• Assist with inservice training of school personnel
• Conduct appropriate research
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field
• Assist with Instructional Support Teacher (IST) meetings as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or his/her designee

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience: Possession of appropriate degree and certification

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current Pennsylvania School Psychologist Certificate; valid PA Driver's License

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common professional and technical journals, governmental regulations and legal documents Ability to respond to common inquiries from staff and regulatory agencies Ability to write reports, and correspondence Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administration, students, and parents.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions for practical situations. Ability to interpret and present mathematical curriculum to students

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to develop and maintain required records and reports Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, parents and the community Ability to work as a team member Ability to maintain personal self-control in stressful situations Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Some driving is necessary. May require lifting minimum of 25 pounds or more. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. Occasionally, yet essential to this position, the individual must meet deadlines with severe time constraints. (The position frequently requires the employee to work irregular or extended hours.)

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet but may be moderate to loud at times. The employee is frequently required to interact with the parents, public and staff during and after the normal workday. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and exhibit good human relation skills including courtesy, tact and patience. The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the school district administrator designated as immediate supervisor of the position, of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.

The Reading School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.