School Psychologist

About KIPP LA Schools

KIPP LA Schools is a non-profit organization that operates free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools. Our schools, which serve elementary and middle school students in East and South Los Angeles, are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network of 162 schools in 20 states and DC. KIPP schools are dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.

KIPP LA’s mission is to teach the academic skills, foster the intellectual habits, and cultivate the character traits needed for our students to thrive in high school, college, and life. Through the success of our students, the KIPP LA team and family will serve as a model of excellence and collaborate with others to raise the quality of education in Los Angeles.

KIPP LA’s schools feature a strong culture of achievement. Our curricula are designed to provide students a well-rounded education, with sufficient time dedicated to academics, the arts, enrichment, and physical education. KIPP LA’s educators are committed to continually improving their teaching skills, and to giving students the support and motivation they need to excel in school and beyond.

KIPP LA operates eleven schools – five elementary and six middle – and serves approximately 4,000 students. KIPP LA is currently expanding; over the next five years, we will more than double the number of students we serve and will grow to 20 schools in our region by 2020. 

Responsibilities

The School Psychologist provides a full range of school psychological services to children grades K-8 throughout KIPP Los Angeles’ nine schools.  Duties include screening and assessment, individual and group counseling, and work with outside agencies as appropriate.  The School Psychologist will also be an integral member of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine student’s eligibility for special education services, appropriate programming, and suggest strategies and supports for educational, academic, and behavioral needs. S/he will report to the Director of Special Education and will be managed by the Director of Special Education.  His/her responsibilities include:

• Provide individual and group services to children that emphasize improved educational performance and/or conduct.
• Screen and evaluate referred children including selecting appropriate instruments, administering tests, observations, and writing reports which state the evaluation findings and provide for educational program recommendations.
• Participate as a member of the IEP team, contributing evaluation findings and collaborating with all members of the team to develop high quality education plans.
• Collaborate with school special education and general education staff around special education programming, RTI and intervention implementation, Student Study Team meetings, and KIPP Los Angeles wide Crisis planning.
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other staff regarding any accommodations/modifications needed for a specific child.
• Maintain appropriate data on students, including present levels of performance and intervention strategies.
• Establish and manage necessary caseloads, work with schools and other staff to plan assessments/ assessment plans and meetings. Submit records, reports, and assignments promptly and efficiently.
• Manage, conduct, and support special education teachers with Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Support Plans.

Requirements

• School Psychologist or Pupil Personnel Services Credential required
• Bachelors or Masters in teaching preferred
  • Demonstrated commitment to students and learning
  • Experience with students grades K-8
  • Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively and interact effectively with different audiences
  • Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully handle multiple cases concurrently
  • Ability to work as a part of a team
  • Demonstrates ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties
  • Deals with obstacles and constraints positively
  • Experience in a start-up environment or proven outcomes launching a new program.
  • Spanish/English bilingual and experience working with Latino families preferred

• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative.
• Self-starter comfortable in an entrepreneurial, start-up environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks
•  Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and a resourceful and collaborative working style
• A sense of humor
• Unquestioned commitment to KIPP LA’s mission and values 

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary depending on experience and qualifications.

To Apply

Please visit http://go.kippla.org/noninstructionalapp to complete an application. You will be required to submit a formal cover letter and resume. The desired start date for this position is immediate

KIPP LA is strongly committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and we encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. KIPP LA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, ethnic origin, or any other reason prohibited by state or federal law.