CLASS TITLE: School Psychologist

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, the primary responsibility of a school psychologist is to conduct Psycho-educational evaluations to provide information to the IEP Team to determine a student’s eligibility for special education services. In addition school psychologists make recommendations to administrators, counselors, teachers and parents to improve behavior and/or academic achievement of students.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES INCLUDE:

Consults with the appropriate significant adults in the child's environment in the planning of educational and therapeutic programs;

• Collaborates with parents, support staff to determine and facilitate the assessment process for students;
• Recommends appropriate educational and psychological remediation through the use of psychological tests and collaborates with special services staff;
• Knowledgeable in writing Behavior Support Plans;
• Determines eligibility for certification and recommends placement of pupils in state-regulated special programs;
• Interprets psychological evaluations to parents, regarding their child's potential achievement level, and personality adjustment, counsels and consults with parents, and makes referrals to other agencies when indicated;
• Interprets and analyzes the assessment results with regard to the intellectual, academic, social, emotional and behavioral development and the implications these results have for the instructional program;
• Prepares written assessment reports for each student evaluated; consultation may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, parents and agency personnel such as private physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, probation officers, mental health professionals and others as appropriate;
• Conducts classroom observations and provides parent education and support;
• Serves as member of Student Study Team (SST, SAT);
• Serves as a member of the school site Crisis Intervention Team;
• Maintain records as required by state and local guidelines, policies, practices and laws.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Diversity in student backgrounds

Services that address needs of identified students

Current assessment methodologies, their use and efficacy

Behavior Intervention Case Manager trained

Federal, state and local laws, policies and procedures related to duties as a school psychologist

Correct English usage, grammar and spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, diligence and courtesy

ABILITY TO:

Work independently with little direction

Work in multi-ethnic community and be sensitive to those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Perform problem-solving tasks requiring independent judgment

Perform duties effectively with many demands on time and with constant interruptions

Maintain accurate records and prepare reports

Work confidentially with discretion

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Establish and meet schedules and timelines

Understand and interpret rules and written directions and apply to specific situations

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Possess valid California public school credential authorizing public school service in school psychology. High school experience preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

· School environment; subject to frequent interruptions

· Work under pressure of deadlines and time constraints

· May be required to attend meetings outside regular school hours

· Ability to lift boxes of 15 to 20 pounds in weight

· Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; skills and knowledge required to interpret and implement policies, rules and regulations, and make determinations relative to the effective performance of the essential responsibilities of the position

· Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for extended periods of time to monitor student progress

· Ability to see and read printed matter with or without vision aids

· Ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels, and to hear and understand speech on the telephone

· Manual dexterity to carry out the functions of the above essential responsibilities.

· Ability to speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly

· Ability to bend, reach and walk

· Ability to comprehend visual and auditory input given by others

· Short term and long term memory ability is required in all tasks

NOTE: This list of essential functions and physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in accordance with the requirements of the job.

Licenses and other requirements:

· Possess valid California public school credential authorizing public school service in school psychology

· Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance

· Evidence of TB clearance

If required to operate a vehicle:

· Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

· Acceptable driving record and qualification for insurability by the District’s insurance carrier

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