School Psychologist Intern: Mentored Growth & Impact

WELCOME TO INDIANAPOLIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

At IPS, we believe in the transformative power of education. We work collectively every day to prepare our students for success in the classroom and in life by providing equitable, high-quality educational experiences across our family of schools. IPS is a place to make an impact, grow your career, and ensure every student has access to a high quality education, all while earning a good living in a district on the move. While the work is challenging, it is deeply meaningful and impactful.We seek innovators and trailblazers who bring varying experiences and expertise and share our belief that every child deserves access to an exceptional education. As part of Team IPS, you’ll create lasting connections, find a sense of belonging, and feel supported to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In return, no matter your role here, we expect a commitment to excellence and accountability. You’ll be held to high standards. Resilience and passion are key—you must be adaptable, handling adversity with flexibility while putting students at the heart of everything you do. Ethical conduct, clear communication, and mutual respect are fundamental. Being a dependable, collaborative team player who builds meaningful relationships is essential.

Together, we are Proving What’s Possible by building a community where everyone belongs and each student has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

A Career in IPS Offers…

Purpose and Impact:

• Essential Contributions: In every non-teaching and non-leadership role, your work directly supports the success of IPS students and schools. Whether you’re maintaining facilities, providing student services, or managing administrative operations, you play a key part in ensuring an equitable and high-quality educational environment.
• Belonging and Community: IPS is a place where every employee is valued. You’ll join a supportive community that promotes respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving students and families.

Professional and Personal Growth:

• Training and Development Opportunities: IPS offers a variety of training programs to help staff build new skills and grow professionally. This includes access to development opportunities for administrative, technical, and operational roles, as well as pathways to becoming a certified teacher.
• Skill Enhancement: Whether you’re new to your role or seeking to deepen your expertise, IPS provides resources and support for continuous improvement.

Comprehensive Compensation and Benefits:

• Fair Compensation: IPS ensures competitive wages and regularly reviews pay structures to maintain equity.
• Extensive Benefits Package: Employees enjoy comprehensive health coverage, dental and vision plans, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans. Additional financial benefits include flexible spending accounts and eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs.

Work-Life Balance and Well-being:

• Generous Leave Policies: IPS offers vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with paid holidays. Twelve-month employees benefit from floating holidays, and unused personal leave rolls into the sick leave balance.
• Wellness Programs: IPS prioritizes staff well-being with access to wellness initiatives, including health screenings and an employee assistance program for confidential support and counseling.

What We Expect:

• Professionalism and Reliability: Every role at IPS is vital to the district’s success. We expect staff to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing excellent service to students, educators, and families.
• Collaboration and Communication: IPS values teamwork. Working collaboratively with your colleagues ensures a supportive environment for all. Clear communication and mutual respect are key to maintaining this culture.
• Flexibility and Problem-Solving: As a large, dynamic district, IPS needs staff who are adaptable and proactive in solving problems to meet the ever-changing needs of students and schools.

JOIN US!

Indianapolis Public Schools is more than a workplace; it’s a community where purpose, impact, and belonging come together to help Prove What’s Possible – in your career and in your school. If you’re ready to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and make a meaningful impact, IPS is the place for you.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

As a School Psychologist Intern, you will play an integral role in identifying and addressing the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of students across the district. Under the mentorship of a licensed school psychologist, you will gain practical experience conducting evaluations, participating in multidisciplinary teams, and advocating for students with diverse needs.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with educators, administrators, parents, and community organizations to create meaningful interventions and support systems. You will learn to navigate the complexities of educational law and compliance while developing strategies to help students thrive in inclusive settings.

Through this internship, you will:

• Refine your skills in assessment, intervention planning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Learn to navigate legal requirements like Child Find, IEP development, and procedural safeguards under IDEA and Article 7.
• Build relationships with a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are dedicated to fostering equitable learning environments.
• Gain exposure to crisis intervention, behavioral planning, and consultation processes to address a wide range of student needs.

By the end of your internship, you will be well-prepared to transition into a fully licensed school psychologist role, equipped with the tools to support students and advocate for their success.

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Student Evaluations and Compliance

• Conduct assessments to determine eligibility for services under IDEA, ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records and meet timelines for evaluations and meetings.
• Compose multidisciplinary evaluation reports that align with best practices and legal standards.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Partner with parents, school staff, and community resources to foster student success.
• Participate in case conferences and assist with IEP development based on evaluation findings.
• Advocate for students by promoting evidence-based practices and supporting intervention planning.

Professional Development and Training

• Engage in ongoing training and mentorship with your supervising school psychologist.
• Collaborate with peers and supervisors to refine skills and ensure effective district-wide practices.

Other Duties

• Assist with manifestation conferences, file reviews, and intervention planning as assigned.
• Participate in telecommunication-based evaluations and meetings when necessary.
• Support the district’s goals and policies while maintaining confidentiality per FERPA guidelines.

“Day In the Life” Overview

On a regular day as a School Psychologist Intern, you might:

• Conduct Student Assessments: Administer and score cognitive, academic, and behavioral evaluations to help identify student needs.
• Collaborate with Teams: Participate in meetings with educators, parents, and administrators to discuss evaluation results and recommend supports.
• Develop Intervention Plans: Work with school staff to design and monitor targeted interventions that address academic, social, and emotional challenges.
• Support Case Conferences: Assist in drafting and presenting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that align with students’ strengths and areas of need.
• Advocate for Students: Provide guidance to staff and families about best practices in special education and accommodations.
• Respond to Crisis Situations: Support students and staff during crisis events, offering expertise in de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies.
• Engage in Professional Development: Attend supervision meetings with a licensed psychologist to refine your skills and discuss complex cases.
• Stay Organized: Document evaluation processes and maintain accurate, confidential student records to ensure compliance with district and federal requirements.

Every day offers new opportunities to build your expertise, collaborate with dedicated professionals, and make a meaningful impact on students’ educational journeys.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

The ideal candidate:

• Brings a positive, proactive, and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Possesses working knowledge of Indiana law and Article 7 (or demonstrates a willingness to learn).
• Excels in analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing data to support decision-making.
• Communicates effectively, both in writing and in person, with diverse stakeholders.
• Is actively pursuing an Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology and licensure from the Indiana Department of Education.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION/TRAINING: In process of completing Educational Specialist in School Psychology. Previous experience in schools is strongly preferred, but not required.

CERTIFICATIONS &/OR LICENSES: Working to complete all coursework from an accredited university to obtain a valid School Psychology license from the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Professional Standards.

OTHER: Ability to perform the essential functions, meet the performance aptitudes, and fulfill the physical/sensory/environmental requirements of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) is required.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

Not Eligible

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (10-20 pounds).

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.