SOLEDAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

DEFINITION
The School Psychologist applies psycho-educational principles and knowledge in the assessment, classification, treatment, and education of children with school-related learning, social and emotional difficulties. Provides consultation, case management, and program management to regular and special education students.

SUPERVISOR
Director of Special Projects/Special Education

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed on the job description are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The position includes but is not limited to the following list of representative duties:

Essential Duties:
Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and appropriate agencies in the planning of educational and therapeutic programs; agency personnel may include private physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, probation officers, mental health professionals, and others as appropriate.

Recommend appropriate educational and psychological remediation through the use of psychological tests.

Interpret and analyze the assessment results with regard to the intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of pupils, and the implications of results for the instructional program.

Prepare written assessment reports for each student evaluated.

Participate on IEP teams and in IEP reviews.

Conduct required assessment and re-evaluation of Special Education students.

Make classroom observations.

Provide parent education and support.

Assist in establishing guidelines as mandated by federal and state programs, including IEP process and 504 accommodation plans.

Provide staff and program development to teachers and administrators regarding application of state and federal guidelines, classroom management, and instructional planning, to meet the specific needs of the pupil.

Participate in the development of school services promoting positive mental and behavioral health and effective environments for learning.

Initiate referrals to Mental Health Services when needed.

Assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of specific phases of educational programs.

Serve as a resource person in such areas as guidance, curriculum, child development, and tests and measurements.

Serve as a member of Student Study Teams or Child Study Teams as appropriate.

Attend staff and committee meetings and conferences when appropriate.

Review current research and literature in psychology.

Assist in planning research projects for the improvement of educational programs for children.

Prepare and deliver oral and written reports, recommendations, and presentations to committees, parents, and others.

Other Related Duties:
Attend appropriate conferences, workshops, and meetings to keep informed of current practices and trends in education and psychology.

Participate in community by speaking to parent and civic groups.

Perform other related duties as may be assigned by the Director of Special Projects/Special Education.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions; Manual dexterity sufficient to write, use the telephone, computer, calculator, and office machines at required speed and accuracy; Vision sufficient to read handwritten and printed materials, and the display screen of various office equipment and machines; Hearing sufficient to communicate in person and hold telephone conversations in normal range (approximately 60 decibels); Speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distances on the telephone and addressing groups; Physical agility to sit, stand, kneel, walk, push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop, and to reach overhead; Physical stamina sufficient to sustain light physical labor for up to 8 hours, sit and/or walk for prolonged periods of time; Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, district, school site to site) for sustained periods of time on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, ramps, and to respond to emergency situations; Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 40 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift 80 or more pounds with assistance; Occasionally push and/or pull a variety of tools, equipment, or objects weighing 80 or more pounds; Typically indoor work environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology.
California credential authorizing performance of psychological services.

Experience:
Previous experience performing psychological services in a school environment and knowledge base with
Individual Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); may be part of the required credentialing program.

Knowledge of:
State and federal laws, regulations and guidelines governing special education services.
Technology and computer software applications relative to requirements of the position.

Ability to:
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students, school personnel, parents, co-workers, and the public.

Communicate effectively in the English language both orally and in writing.

Meet schedules and time lines.

Work independently with appropriate direction.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Learn and use technology and computer software applications as appropriate to the work environment.

Use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with people.
Use initiative and judgment in discussing problems with the public and district staff, involving office practices and policies.

Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Strategic and analytical thinking skills and the ability to apply deductive reasoning and draw conclusions in order
to solve problems and facilitate decision-making processes

Possess a California driver’s license and be insurable.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Successful experience as a school psychologist or in other area of psychology.

Successful experience as a classroom teacher.

Previous experience working effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Successful experience in areas of conflict resolution.

Ability to use an advisory approach to resolving work related issues

Knowledge of IDEA, organization, operations, policies, and objectives of public education and special education.

Visibility and involvement in education and the community.

Previous experience in leadership, coaching, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships

Ability to continuously seek quality service and process improvements in order to support a mission and
strategic vision.



Board Adopted: March 11, 2009