DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Director of Pupil Personnel Services or designee and in close cooperation with the school site principal(s) assesses and/or counsels students as appropriate in an elementary or middle school setting.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Personnel in this class report to the Director of Pupil Personnel Services or designee and are responsible to assist in creating a program of learning and personal growth in accordance with each student's ability.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Attend and participate in Student Study meetings for new referrals as needed; manage cases of students referred, obtaining parent signatures, maintaining time lines, following mandated procedures; complete evaluations using current and appropriate and non-biased assessment instruments; review appropriate history and conduct teacher, student and parent interviews to gather relevant data; provide written reports and records to document the student’s handicapping condition, the need for special education, and to recommend an appropriate course of remediation; function as a member of the IEP team; complete required paperwork and student files; assist in facilitating Administrative Placements by contacting previous schools, obtaining parent signatures, requesting records, and attending meetings to discuss appropriate placements; conduct required three-year assessments of Special Education students; consult with administrators, parents, and teachers to implement the goals and objectives of the IEP, including regular class placement as appropriate; provide direct counseling and behavior management services; assist and provide in-service to parents and staff about Special Education and related topics; assist in implementing mandated procedures within the school as a whole; protect confidentiality in accordance with ethical guidelines; provide individual, short-term counseling and crisis management with individual students and their families; provide referrals to outside agencies as needed; interpret individual and group test data to staff and parents as needed or requested.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of Child growth and development; learning process and learning disabilities; non-biased testing instruments and interpreting test data; Federal and State laws relating to Special Education programs and services; counseling techniques; behavior management programs; Student Study Team process; and, appropriate outside agencies.

Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing; facilitate placement of Special Education students; provide follow-up services for Special Education students; provide individual, short-term counseling and crisis management with individual students and their families; accurately complete all necessary reports in a timely fashion; investigate and analyze student referrals; assess students as appropriate; make recommendations to staff and parents based on case study data; and, maintain a communication system with Special education personnel, school administrators, parents or guardians, and other staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Master’s Degree, Pupil Personnel credential authorizing service in School Psychology.

Experience: All required fieldwork, internship and/or teaching experience.