School Psychologist

Job Description: School Psychologist

Reports To: Director of Student Services and School Principal

Minimum Qualifications: Valid CT State Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsement for School Psychologist

General Description: The School Psychologist, utilizing a sound knowledge base, assessment techniques and intervention skills, will assist educators and parents in providing schooling appropriate to each student’s abilities and needs.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Provide school psychology services which support the school system’s instructional goals

Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork and non-discriminatory practices Assist educators in maintaining a mentally healthy and positive learning environment in the school and in the classroom

Serve as a consultant to educators and parents on mental health issues, special education needs of students with disabilities (as defined by the IDEA) and gifted children

Help identify and address the diverse learning needs of all students in assigned school(s)

Assist with planning and provide in-service training of school personnel

Participate in the school’s Student Assistance, Planning and Placement Team (PPT)/Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings:

Guide determinations of appropriate referrals to special education or other dispositions of cases presented to the Student Assistance Team

Formally assess (with written parental consent) students determined in need of cognitive/behavioral emotional assessment by the PPT utilizing performance observations, testing and diagnostic procedures determined appropriate by school psychology standards

Write a psychological report on each assessed student which includes consideration of school-wide performance, medical, social and psychological background data; is written in classroom teacher user friendly terms; and concludes with professionally sound recommendations for appropriate school programming and/or parental follow through suggestions for the student

Present psychological findings and recommendations by participating in the PPT postevaluation conference- complete the entire process, including IEP goal development, on time

Explain school psychological services, including assessment procedures and psychological recommendations to educators and parents

Provide direct individual/group school adjustment counseling to students, as per written plans and with prior parental approval

Maintain follow-up as appropriate on all students on the School Psychologist caseload, including coordination with personnel of juvenile court, community mental health and social welfare agencies in the best interest of students

Maintain accurate, complete, and current records as required by law, school system policy, and administrative regulation Page 2 of 3

Pursue professional development independently and in collaboration with supervisors:

Keep abreast of new trends in the field of school and clinical psychology Participate in conducting appropriate research as may be required by his/her supervisor(s)

Attend required/relevant staff, professional, and interagency meetings

Participate cooperatively with the app

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Demonstrates facility in the skills of school psychological screening, assessment and servicing

Demonstrates practical knowledge of the research in the areas of school and clinical psychology

Demonstrates knowledge of human growth and development as it relates to the learning process

Demonstrates knowledge of the public school system, including federal and state mandates

Plans daily, weekly and monthly schedules to achieve student objectives in priority order

Effectively implements IEP and less formal counseling goals, and uses appropriate techniques

Effectively communicates with students of various language ability levels

Helps students develop positive self-concepts

Facilitates the independence of the student

Effectively organizes time, space, materials and equipment to complete evaluative and counseling duties while being visible and remaining available as needed

Effectively assesses students’ needs and progress

Effectively meets the needs of exceptional students (those on IEPs, 504 Plans, or who are Gifted)

Establishes a positive counseling environment

Meets professional responsibilities

Encourages and maintains the cooperative involvement and support of parents and community

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment that may be required of positions in this class. Norwich Public School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.

Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.

Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment

Occasional exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be determined by the contract between the Norwich Board of Education and the Norwich Teachers League.

Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement benefits; paid leave, including sick, vacation, and personal leave, as applicable; and other employment benefits in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, Board of Education policies, and/or employment terms.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of support services.