School Psychologist: Elevate Student Wellness & Success

POSITION

School Psychologist

CATEGORY

Certified

DEPARTMENT

Special Education

LOCATION

Schools

REPORTS TO

Director of Special Education/Principal

SUMMARY

To enable pupils to derive the fullest benefits from school by promoting their sense of self and by evaluating and working to ameliorate psychological or mental health problems that may interfere with their adjustment to school and the education program offered to them. To meet the needs of exceptional children by providing services as required by state and federal guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide individual counseling to students experiencing school-related difficulties Provide psychological counseling to parents as needed Provide group counseling to students with similar school-related difficulties Provide consultation to parents regarding school-related student difficulties or crises impacting the school Maintain contact with service and community agencies to obtain and provide relevant information Assist in the comprehensive evaluation of students Administer, score, and evaluate standard psychological tests for the purpose of assessing the intellectual, educational, emotional, social, and behavioral characteristics of those students referred Assist in the development and implementation of building-wide screening and referral processes Participate in the evaluation, classification, and placement of all pupils with special needs Interpret the results of psychological testing and assist in the development and coordination of an appropriate individualized education plan for each pupil requiring special education and/or related services Assist in the placement and programming decisions made by Child Study Teams. Perform all duties required as a member of the Child Study Team by federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy Provide consultation to special education teachers regarding the instruction and management of students with disabilities Provide consultation to regular education teachers regarding the identification, instruction, management, and mainstreaming of students with disabilities Provide consultation regarding students without disabilities who are experiencing educational or behavioral difficulties Participate in the ongoing evaluation of the academic progress and educational placement of classified pupils Provide interpretation of federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy regarding the education of exceptional students Assist the Special Services Director in identifying special education needs within the district Assist the Director in devising plans for improving special services within the district and implementing changes deemed necessary Serve as a case manager as assigned and maintain appropriate case records Serve as a consultant to parents, school personnel, and community groups on child development and mental health topics Assist in the development and delivery of in-service programs and parent seminars Keep the staff and community informed of the schools' psychological services Observe pupils in classrooms and other school settings Cooperate with community health and social welfare agency personnel Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by such efforts as attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications Adhere to The Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education Adhere to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct Seek assistance should emergencies arise Represent the school district in a positive manner Know and follow school district policy and chain of command Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform 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

Idaho Pupil Personnel Services certificate with a School Psychologist endorsement Master’s degree required Previous school psychologist experience preferred Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy governing special education, and demonstrated ability to effectively provide testing, psychological evaluation, and counseling services Experience in a classroom which may include professional teaching experience, student teaching, or special education practicum Broad knowledge of theories of individual and group guidance techniques, elementary and/or secondary school guidance program design, and career educational information and placement Strong background in the use of technology Relates extremely well to students Ability to communicate effectively with non-school health professionals and social services agencies Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community groups and organizations Excellent organizational skills Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills Able to work under pressure and deadlines Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Ability to provide general district information and respond to questions from administrators, managers, employees, customers, and/or the general public in a professional and pleasant manner.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.

PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS

Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and meets deadlines with severe time constraints in a fast paced environment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; occasionally walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior. Be able to effectively supervise and support staff when consequences are implemented, including supervising physical restraint and seclusion if necessary for safety.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

195 day calendar assignment

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Nampa School District #131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The employment relationship with the District is of an “at will” nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the Employee at any time with or without cause. #J-18808-Ljbffr ReNEW Schools