School Psychologist

School Psychologist

Under general supervision promotes the conditions whereas students and staff acquire the knowledge, skills, and personal confidence needed for success and provides high-quality comprehensive school psychological services. Reports to the Director of Special Services.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provides appropriate and timely mental health crisis intervention services.
• Conducts comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations for all initial referrals and reevaluations in accordance with federal, state and District guidelines and with best practices.
• Processes and coordinates the placement of identified students with disabilities who move into Hampton County from other school Districts, agencies, states and students who may require a change of special education services placement.
• Completes due process forms to document evaluation and placement decisions (reports, placement forms, parent letters, etc.).
• Serves as consultant to special education programs.
• Provides consultation with administrators, regular classroom teachers, special education teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum coordinators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, etc. concerned about children exhibiting particular learning and/or behavior problems.
• Provides consultation on functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans for students exhibiting behavior problems.
• Conducts evaluations and plans accommodation for students suspected of having disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act.
• Provides preventive mental health services.
• Conducts evaluations of students referred for disciplinary issues and hearings.
• Acts as liaison between schools and District office staff.
• Coordinates with community agencies and private service providers.
• Assists in planning and implementing in-service training for teachers.
• Demonstrates regular and prompt attendance.
• Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business, act ethically, set priorities, and work well under pressure with attention to detail.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by the Principal or Superintendent of Schools.

Education and Experience: Master's degree plus 30 semester hours or a Doctorate from an accredited college or university. Certification as Psychologist II or III. Eligible for Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) or any other educational requirements determined by SC State Department of Education. Proficient in computers and word processing software; or any equivalent combination of training software and experience that provide required knowledge. Supports the vision, mission and beliefs of Hampton County School District.

Knowledge: Knowledge of school psychological services including prevention, assessment, and intervention. Knowledgeable of state and federal regulations and compliance requirements applicable to special education. Knowledge of the records, forms and reports which must be prepared and maintained. Has thorough and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of special education including identification, evaluation, placement, etc. Basic legal knowledge pertaining to the education of disabled students. Knows how to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to special services functions. Written and verbal communication skills necessary to handle difficult and emotional situations. Knowledge of general computer applications and their utilization as related to specific tasks and responsibilities. Knows how to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to personnel and community related functions. Thorough knowledge of Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, possession of an excellent vocabulary and mathematical computation.

Skills/Effort: Ability to comprehend, interprets, and applies state and federal regulations. Ability to effectively apply knowledge of school psychological services including prevention, assessment, and intervention. Advanced human relations, communications and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with students and their parents, District staff, and all other groups involved in the activities of the job. Ability to complete, process, and maintain all required records, reports, and confidential information. Ability to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities. Strong organizational skills. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily activities.

Working Conditions: School environment with little significant exposure to environmental conditions. Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require constant attention and working with students. Occasional local travel required; occasional overnight travel required. Job requires the operation of standard office equipment. Physical demands are restricted to general office activities requiring movement/lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require meeting tight deadlines, considerable attention and working with both adults and students.

Disclaimer Statement This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. The administration has the exclusion right to alter this job description at any time without notice.