School Psychologist

Description :

The School Psychologist is responsible for improving the educational experiences of children who demonstrate learning difficulties with instructional program or are experiencing physical, mental, social or emotional difficulties within the classroom or school setting. He/she collaborates with the administration, staff and parents to identify, evaluate, design strategies and interventions and recommend placement when needed.

Qualifications :

Doctorate or advanced degree in School Psychology

Valid Arizona School Psychologist Certification

Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card

Strong knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication with extensive skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar

Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is desired

Must be an energetic, decisive, highly ethical, strong leader

Must be sensitive to interpersonal relationships

Strong leadership, decision-making and implementation skills

Must be capable of dealing with several assignments concurrently regarding a variety of issues

Must be capable of developing effective instructional programs

Strong communication and interpersonal skills in dealing with students, parents and staffs

Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health

School Psychology experience is preferred

Knowledge of :

Standard diagnostic tests and testing materials for identification of special education students

Special education, Gifted Education, Section 504, language acquisition programs etc.

Standard special education forms; such as, IEP, Parent Release, Student Placement, etc.

Child Study Team process

Special education and language acquisition programs

Student intervention programs and procedures

Technology applications and its use as an instructional tool

Federal and Arizona School Law governing schools and districts

Analysis of test/achievement data

Arithmetic and basic mathematic procedures

Policies, procedures, and regulations of the District and the schools

Ability to :

Perform functions from written and oral instructions

Organize and prioritize work, take initiative and adhere to time restraints and attend to multiple tasks

Establish and maintain effective relationships with teachers, administrators, students, and parents.

Maintain strict confidentiality of staff, student and family records

Analyze and present achievement data

Provide in-service to staff

Work effectively with a diverse community

Communicate ideas and programs to individuals, staff, parents, community, etc.

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist staff in identifying and evaluating at risk students and exceptional learners

Observe and /or gather data on students who have been referred for special education testing

Administer intelligence tests, tests of perceptual and motor development and personality assessments to individual students

Summarize assessment(s) findings, interpret data and offer recommendations, in a timely manner

Make recommend regarding placement for children eligible for special education programs

Prepare and submit required reports on individual student’s evaluations

Attend parent/staff meeting to interpret test results and possible placement in special education program

Facilitate and coordinate for special education services at each assigned school and program

Assist special education staff in ensuring that IEP’s are implemented, reviewed and progress monitored

Provide support to ensure that IEP’s are met for students receiving out-of-district placement services

Counsel with parents regarding students’ learning potential, achievement level and personality adjustment and recommend ways to help their children

Consult with staff regarding the needs of mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed and learning disabled students.

Confer with teachers, administrators, and other professionals on specific student diagnostic findings in an effort to maximize educational development through placement or educational management

Consult with teachers regarding student interventions and curriculum modifications and strategies

Work with others to develop and implement services and programs offering early intervention to students at risk for educational difficulties

Assist teachers and others in interpreting and using assessment data and program planning for identified students

Provide inservice training programs as requested by the administratio9n to assist the school staff in curriculum modification as well as developing effective classroom behavior management strategies for students at risk

Present research and information with school personnel and parents in the areas of child development, learning strategies, conflict resolution, interpersonal and group development, etc.

Provide crisis intervention and counseling services to students as needed

Keep administrators, parents and teachers informed regarding services available to them

Review records of incoming students

Maintain files and accurate records on all identified students

Maintain compliance with federal and state statutes and district policies and procedures

Serve as a liaison between the school, DOE correctional facilities, private schools and other social service agencies

Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend professional meetings, read professional journals and publications, etc. for continued professional development

Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information

Adhere and support all Governing School Board policies and/or regulations, Arizona Revised Statutes and federal regulations pertaining to education

Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Director of Special Education or his/her designee

Length of Employment :

Ten and one-half (10.5) months

Reports to : Student Services Director

Evaluation : Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO