School Psychologist

School Psychologist

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose of measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological studies; interpreting and applying state and federal codes; and developing strategies and interventions to address the exceptional student/special education needs of eligible students.

This job reports to Exceptional Student Services Director.

Essential Functions:

• Administers standardized and/or supplemental assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assess students' functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement.
• Communicates with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
• Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, nurse, probation officer, mental health agencies, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, Multi-disciplinary Evaluation and IEP team members, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Coordinates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service and mental health services for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments, etc. to meet the needs of specific students.
• Counsels students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Develops behavior plans, curriculum modifications, etc. (e.g. psycho-educational assessment instruments, instructional strategies and service delivery models including integration, collaboration, and least restrictive environments, etc.) for the purpose of implementing treatment programs.
• Facilitates meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and/or ensuring that state mandates are achieved.
• Implements school wide program development and program evaluation (e.g. crisis intervention services, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective programs to assist children who experience physical, mental, social or emotional difficulties.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. extension requests, correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, Psych Ed Summary, Psych Report, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Supervises interns, practicum students and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.

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 periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and facilitating meetings.

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; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities/behaviors; assessment instruments and techniques; cultural differences of student population; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; keyboarding; knowledge of community resources; methods of instruction and training; recordkeeping and record retention practices.

ABILITY is required to schedule 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; work with 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 significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; 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.

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.

Working Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and 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:

Continuing Educ./Training

Valid Arizona School Psychologist Certificate

Continuing Education Requirements:

Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Clearances:

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status:

Approval Date Exempt May 12, 2014