LAS VIRGENES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

CLASS TITLE:         School Psychologist

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The school psychologist provides services to students, parents, teachers, administrators, community agencies, and paraprofessional staff.  These services include psycho-educational assessment and diagnosis, consultation, and counseling.  Psychologists will perform the following tasks under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent – Educational Services.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•   Conducts psycho-educational and behavioral assessments, and creates reports linking assessment results to student challenges as part of the IEP process.  Assessments include initial, review, and re-evaluations of students enrolled in special education, in line with state and federal mandates.

•   Participates in the 504 evaluation and re-evaluation process including development of initial plans.

•   Consults with school staff in the development and implementation of classroom methods,  accommodations, modifications, and procedures designed to facilitate learning.  May include being a participant in parent-teacher conferences and other student related meetings.

•   Serves as a core member of the Student Study Team in assigned schools.

•   Collaborates with other members of the Student Study Team and/or through RtI, devises and recommends instructional strategies and learning programs for pupils with special needs. 

•   Consults with parents to assist in understanding the learning and adjustment processes of children. 

•   Consults with principals, counselors and teachers on proper actions in cases where retention or acceleration is requested.

•   Consults with staff in assessments and development of behavior interventions.

•   Provides individual and/or group counseling for student as defined by his/her IEP or      accommodation plan.

•   Participates as needed as a member of the school and District-wide Crisis Team.

•   Provides short-term crisis counseling as needed to pupils, parents and staff.

•   Assists in assessment of GATE students in specialized circumstances.

•   Consults with outside agencies and makes appropriate referrals when needed.

•   Participates in professional activities and opportunities.

•   Participates as directed on due process, OCR, and/or other legal matters.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

•   Human growth, development and behavior, abnormal psychology, learning differences,    special education law.

•   Confidentiality requirements.

•   Effective individual and group counseling techniques.

•   School and classroom rules and regulation.

•   Techniques and strategies for crisis intervention.

•   Qualified by CA state guidelines as a behavior intervention case manager (BICM) or willing to obtain within the first year of employment.

Ability to Effectively:

•   Administer and interpret assessment data.

•   Communicate orally and in a written format.

•   Counsel individuals and groups with dignity, sensitivity, and understanding.

•   Collaborate with staff, administrators, and parents.

•   Assist in problem solving.

•   Prioritize time and tasks.

•   Utilize current technologies.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

•   Possession of a valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential

•   Master’s Degree in School Psychology

•   NCSP preferred

Las Virgenes Unified School District – May 22, 2012