School Psychologist

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Location: As assigned by the Chief Education Officer in relation to regional IU needs Reports to: Supervisor, as assigned by the Chief Education Officer Terms: 10 Month/200 Days Labor Status: Exempt Job Classification: Non-Bargaining Unit Compensation Plan Certification: As required by the PA Department of Education in accordance with Certification and Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG) Company Overview The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone, and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas. Job Summary This position provides school psychological services including, but not limited to, facilitating comprehensive and quality evaluation processes and procedures that meet all federal and state laws and regulations. The position holder is responsible for initiating, facilitating, and maintaining high quality and quantity of communication across a range of individuals with direct roles and responsibilities to learners including but not limited to school administrators, special education-related professionals, teaching professionals, parents, other educational service providers, and agency providers. Supervisory Responsibilities: No Key Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive psychological/educational evaluations of students to determine eligibility and need for special education and services that include, but are not limited to, standardized assessment of intellectual, developmental, academic, social/emotional and behavioral functioning, and meet all federal and state laws and regulations. Plan and facilitate evaluation procedures that are comprehensive in scope and depth to generate a written report that meets all required components, within mandated timelines, and informs educational recommendations and interventions, and aligns with all evaluation/assessment data collected. Effectively use informal and/or non-standardized evaluation methods to contribute to the scope of assessment and data collection. Analyze, interpret, and organize all data collected in preparation for report writing and progress monitoring of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) interventions, where appropriate. Conduct reevaluation processes and procedures and produce reports that adequately inform the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Function as a contributing member of the IEP team to help develop and/or revise the IEP, including a Positive Behavior Support Plan, and assist/support the team with other requirements, including but not limited to Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), and Manifestation Determination reviews, where appropriate. Provide consultation and direct service to students, parents, school personnel, agency personnel, and school-based support teams on behalf of the eligible student. Provide psychological counseling as a related service, as appropriate. Facilitate all IDEA and Chapter 14 processes and procedures in a compliant manner, meeting timelines, and maintain files and records in accordance with student record policies and procedures and FERPA regulations. Facilitate communication, both oral and written, in a timely and professional manner. Select and/or develop methods of data collection that will help to inform the effectiveness of a program, intervention, or educational plan, and support teaching professionals with methods of data collection to contribute to information useful for evaluation processes. Effectively manage self and manage conflict Consult to assist teams and teaching professionals with instructional strategies and effective and appropriate interventions to meet academic and social/emotional needs Use methods to encourage and support parent engagement and involvement in the educational and evaluation process, including effective methods for communicating assessment results and findings. Apply effective methods for collaboration with all members of the IEP team, including parents, the LEA, teaching professionals, special education teaching professionals, related service providers, and others who contribute to the IEP. Effectively communicate with community resource agencies and personnel to collaborate and support coordination of care for students. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and sensitivity in a range of interpersonal relations Represent IU8 with positive words, actions, and professional appearance Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state, and local school laws and regulations and policies. Reviews and abides by Ethical Rules of Conduct for the profession of school psychology. Reviews and abides by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators. Reviews and adheres to IU policies, procedures, and expectations Ensures all documentation related to a student's education is up to date and properly filed in accordance with policies and practices. Communicate effectively in verbal or written form in a professional and timely manner. Maintains professional competence, expands and applies knowledge in professional area(s) Demonstrates regular and timely attendance Must have a personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations. Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws. Assume other duties as assigned by the Chief Education Officer Requirements Master's Degree in School Psychology Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certification in accordance with Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG) Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE Fingerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background) Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24 P.S. 14-1416, 14-1418; 22 PA Code 49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28 Pa Code 23.44 (regarding health and safety). Desired Qualifications Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills Knowledge of assessment instruments and procedures Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures for special education Knowledge of MTSS framework Knowledge in counseling skills, theories, and techniques Knowledge of instructional strategies and interventions, and behavior support techniques and strategies Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality Proficient technology skills The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Work Environment And Physical Demands The work environment is office settings, school and classroom settings, and some community/business settings and non-traditional education settings. Extensive travel within the IU region. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time Ability to move about various work environments Ability to position oneself to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 25 poundsAbility to operate a computer for extended periods and other office equipment as needed and work-related Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding. Must be able to interpret, analyze, and problem solve. Must be able to read and understand complex documents relating to federal, state, and local mandates as well as materials relating to school psychology and education. Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to fulfill job duties and requirements Benefits Comprehensive health insurance coverage provided with no monthly premiums Dental Insurance Vision Care Plan Health Savings Account (HSAs) Tuition Reimbursement 403 (b) Plan Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Pennsylvania Public Schools Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) How to Apply: Online at: Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Appalchia Intermediate Unit 8