School Psychologist

School Psychologist

The Pawtucket School Department is seeking a school psychologist. Investigates processes of learning and teaching and develops psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development of individuals. Analyzes characteristics and adjustment needs of students and recommends educational program to promote maximum adjustment. Formulates diagnostic and predictive tests to aid teachers in planning methods and content of instruction. Administers standardized tests to diagnose disabilities and difficulties among students and to develop special methods of remedial instruction. Studies effects of teachers' feelings and attitudes upon students, and characteristics of successful teachers to aid school administrators in selection and adjustment of teachers and students. Collaborates with education specialist in developing content and methods of organizing and conducting classroom work.

Exemplary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assesses difficulties of referred students through appropriate testing and diagnostic practices;
• Administers and scores test and recommends services for all referred;
• Prepares case records on all referred students;
• Recommends corrective procedures to teachers, parents, or others;
• Confers with teachers and parents whenever necessary;
• Consults on special educational needs of students with disabilities to teachers, parents, principal, and/or others as appropriate;
• Attends case conference on placement of individual students;
• Serves as a consultant on mental health topics for teachers in the school health program, as necessary;
• Interprets the school psychological services to teachers and parents;
• Prepares, submits, and interprets required reports on all students assessed to parents, teachers, and team leaders;
• Assists with in service training of school personnel, as needed;
• Keeps a log on daily activities, tests, conferences, etc.;
• Consults with other mental health agencies and other health professionals in regards to mental health issues;
• May serve on professional committee to enhance services provided;
• Attends Special Education, 504 and Response to Intervention meetings with outside agencies as school district representative;
• Provides counseling to students either individually or in small groups as determined appropriate by the multi-disciplinary team;
• May be responsible for Team Leader Responsibilities;
• Assumes other responsibilities as directed by the Special Education Director or Building Principal.

Is Knowledgeable Of:

• Common Core Standards and NECAP/PARCC assessment.
• The related laws of Rhode Island, as they relate to IDEA and ADA requirements, regulations and procedures of the Pawtucket School Department and the Rhode Island Department of Education;
• Instructional materials and their relationship to program goals and objectives;
• Principles of effective management and evaluation of instruction;
• Principles of learning; principles of effective instruction;
• Assessment administration and use, both formative and summative;
• School accountability;
• Data analysis techniques;
• Response to intervention (academic and behavioral);
• Professional learning community organization and protocols.

Skilled At:

• Public speaking; writing; listening; problem-solving; dispute resolution and providing direction;
• Working with individuals and groups;
• Research and data analysis;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Teaching and presenting;
• Use of instructional technology;
• Observing and understanding effective teaching techniques;
• Being innovative and working with little direction;
• Leadership;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license; RI School Psychologist Certificate PK-12.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in working with students from urban area
• Desire to work with middle school students and young adults.
• Experience working with students with Autism and behavioral/social/emotional challenges.
• Experience with diversity preferred.
• Successful experience teaching.

Compensation/Benefits:

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required.