School Psychologist

School Psychologist

Position performs specialized psychological work in an educational setting to enable students to achieve optimal learning. Position collects, interprets, and synthesizes information about a student's sensory motor/perceptual functioning, academic achievement, intelligence, social/emotional adjustment, and significant crises that influence academic and behavioral functioning. Position works cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member to provide services and to devise an appropriate service plan for referred students and their families.

Essential Functions:

• Performs casework services with students/families to help resolve student's behavioral, learning, & social problems.
• Selects and administers age appropriate psychological tests, assessment methods, and materials in order to determine the needs of the student.
• Consults with teachers and other school personnel to obtain information regarding the reason for the referral.
• Gathers background information on the student's psychological history by conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records.
• Interprets assessment results and compiles comprehensive psychological assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations.
• Works as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of children.
• Communicates case findings and recommendations to teachers and other school personnel as needed.
• Participates in eligibility committee meetings and contributes to the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Serves as a resource to teachers and staff regarding psychological services and the academic/psychological needs of students.
• Conferences with and provides information, support, and counseling to parents/guardians of students.
• Conducts in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.
• Organizes and conducts specialized programs to include parent training classes and student support activities.
• Conducts specialized individual and group counseling sessions to address specific emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students.
• Serves as a liaison between the student, home, school, private counseling facilities, and community resources such as social services, court services, and family service agencies.
• Provides follow-up support and periodic re-evaluation services as necessary.
• Acts as a member of the threat assessment team to provide intervention to students as necessary.
• Markes court appearances to present data and perform court-requested evaluations.
• Compiles monthly reports; maintains accurate case records; and completes necessary documentation for work completed on Medicaid eligible children.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Additional Duties:

Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Special Education or other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment:

Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printers, copiers and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements:

Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to synthesize and interpret diagnostic and assessment data.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of school psychology theory, child development, substance abuse education, tests and measurements, and crisis management.
• Ability to practically apply assessment, counseling, interviewing, and crisis intervention skills.
• Possess the ability to work cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member.
• Possess excellent communication and time management skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, students, families, team members, and others.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

Work in standard office and school building environments.

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree and be eligible for a Virginia License as a school psychologist.

Experience:

• Successful experience as a school psychologist is preferred.

FLSA Status:

Exempt