School Psychologist

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

The primary purpose of the School Psychologist is to identify and assess the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment. Use assessment data about the student and his/her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs. To evaluate students referred by MTSS, IEP teams, and parents to determine whether they are in need of specially designed instruction as delineated by Chapter 14, 15 and 16 of the PA Special Education Regulations.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP :

The School Psychologist reports directly to the Director of Pupil Services.

Work cooperatively with other administrators, supervisors, staff, outside agencies, parents and students to perform job responsibilities.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT :

189 Teacher days and 11 additional days beyond the employee school calendar.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The list is intended to be illustrative rather than complete and serves to show major duties and responsibilities and does not express or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent in this position. The employee will be required to perform any other position-related duties requested by the Director of Pupil Services.

1. Conduct non-biased assessments with consideration of the characteristics of the student (including ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, and handicapping conditions).
2. Work with school teams to plan and monitor interventions to support the teaching process and to maximize learning and adjustment.
3. Provide consultation to parents, teachers, other school personnel, and community agencies to enhance the learning and adjustment of students.
4. Assist in the planning, development, and evaluation of programs to meet identified learning and adjustment needs.
5. Work with others to develop programs and program strategies to maximize learning for students.
6. Assist school personnel and parents in analyzing and interpreting evaluation results.
7. Assist in identifying factors in the learning environment that may affect the student and assessing their degree of impact.
8. Integrate data from assessment procedures and develop hypotheses relative to instructional and educational programming and program eligibility and placement.
9. Assist in providing liaison and coordination between the school system and other relevant agencies to facilitate services for students and families.
10. Interpret education policies, programs, and procedures related to psychological services.
11. Provide information, and/or education in the application of learning theory, child development and other psychological principles to school personnel and parents.
12. Engage in continuing professional development by assessing one's own needs and seeking ways to address needs.
13. Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary assessment team assigned to each school and work as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of children.
14. Participate in eligibility committee meetings and contributes to the development of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
15. Conduct specialized individual and group counseling sessions to address specific emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students.

QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

To successfully perform this position, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualification requirements listed below represent minimum levels of educational achievement, training, skill and/or ability necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master's degree or specialists degree and be eligible for a Pennsylvania Certification as a school psychologist
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of school psychology theory, child development, substance abuse education, tests and measurements, and crisis management
• Familiarity with state and federal laws pertaining to the identification and educational needs of special education students
• Possess the ability to practically apply assessment, counseling, interviewing, and crisis intervention skills
• Possess effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, support staff, co-workers and outside professional contacts.
• Possess effective communication, judgmental, planning and human relation skills
• Attend work related meetings
• Handle confidential information
• Maintain stamina during the workday
• Meet deadlines, stay organized
• Use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and to talk and hear
• Have specific vision abilities; to include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
• Need to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
• Enter data into a computer; to see and read a computer screen and printed materials with or without vision aids
• Concentrate on tasks
• Exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone
• Hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone
• Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

• Current Act 34, Act 114 and Act 151 clearances
• School Health Form (including physical and TB test)
• PDE Form 6004 and Act 168 disclosure forms

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS: Indicate what statement best describes the usual lifting activity.

_____ Sedentary: Lifting up to 10 lbs. maximum and carrying small items.

X Light: Lifting up to 20 lbs. maximum with frequent lifting of objects up to 10 lbs.

_____ Medium: Lifting up to 50 lbs. maximum and carrying object up to 25 lbs.

_____ Heavy: Lifting up to 100 lbs. and carrying objects up to 50 lbs.

The School District of Upper Dublin is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.