School Psychologist

School Psychologist

The employee in this position works as a licensed school psychologist with students at an individual and/or school wide level to address academic, social and emotional learning needs that may interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to benefit from an education in the least restrictive learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in educational psychology from a regionally accredited college or university
• Hold or be eligible for an Illinois professional educator license with a School Psychologist (PK-Age 21) endorsement.
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with collaborative groups and processes in a student-centered environment.
• Such alternatives as the Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates solid knowledge of child and adolescent development, diverse learner characteristics, and/or disabilities that impact student functioning to address individual student or school wide student needs. Counseling and remedial measures as appropriate to the developmental needs of students, individually or in groups.
• Demonstrates and applies a solid understanding of research-based interventions, problem solving processes, and assessment techniques to address Child Find responsibilities. Collects and interprets pertinent information, and clearly delivers the results/interpretation at team meeting and/or IEP meeting.
• Uses the IEP process and procedures, as per state and federal law, to determine eligibility for special education and to develop an appropriate IEP to meet identified student needs. Supports parental understanding of student's educational needs. Maintains appropriate records.
• Collaborates respectfully with team members including administrators and/or parents to develop appropriate services for students. Understands, demonstrates and utilizes appropriate channels of communication. Consults with teachers, staff and parents to address learning and behavioral needs. Is knowledgeable of the FBA/BIP and MTSS processes. Is knowledgeable of the processes to address mandated reporter, suicide prevention, crisis management, bullying and other social emotional needs of the school community. Serves as a resource to parents and staff regarding resources for mental health and academic concerns.
• Seeks appropriate in-service and professional development. Provides appropriate in- service to staff, parents and community groups as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

• Works within the policies and regulations of the district; Illinois public acts and regulations as described by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and serviced by the DuPage Regional Office of Education; and applicable Federal laws, regulations and guidelines applicable to the education of students.
• Makes professional decisions that demonstrate support of the mission, goals and best interests of the district as expressed in the Strategic Plan and Building Improvement Plans.
• Responsible for the safety and well-being of students under his/her supervision.
• Utilizes community, state and national resources where necessary to promote the safety and welfare of students.
• Responsible for understanding and working within Board of Education policy.

Skills, Physical Demands and the Work Environment:

• Read, analyze and interpret documents including correspondence in print or electronic formats.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the school community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in verbal or written form.
• Write reports as needed.
• The ability to effectively present information and respond to questions is required.
• Complete mathematical operations and concepts of algebra.
• Solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables where limited standardization exists.
• Perform essential duties as required by district policies.
• Sit, stand, talk and hear for extended periods of time, operate electronic equipment; and reach with hands and arms and will repeat actions with the same hand, arm or finger motion.
• Have vision abilities required include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. (The ability to withstand long-term use of computer devices is required.)
• To have occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant finger dexterity actions.
• Meet work deadlines with severe time constraints, interacting with the public and staff, within irregular or extended work hours.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low. However, on occasion, the noise level will be moderate.
• Work is usually conducted indoors. Outdoors assignments may be part of this position.
• This work could be conducted at any assigned school district location.

Terms/Conditions of Employment:

• 180-day (10 month) work year with compensation set by the Board of Education.
• Work hours are Monday through Friday (8:00am until 3:30pm).

Evaluation:

• Performance is evaluated annually by the Director of Special Services/Principal.
• Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation.