Psychologist

Position Description

2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

School Psychologist

3 Positions

Location to be determined

Essential Functions:

• Establishes collaborative culture to promote a positive teaching and learning environment

• Provides counseling supports and services to students with differing abilities

• Conducts comprehensive evaluations of students referred for consideration of special education eligibility

• Leads or co-facilitates school problem-solving teams for initial evaluations

• Aids in the development of positive behavioral interventions and supports for students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs

• Develop and plan interventions with teachers for students to support the teaching-learning process

• Provides consultation to parents, teachers, other school personnel, and community agencies, as appropriate, to enhance the learning and adjustment of students

• Assists in the planning, development, and evaluation of services to meet the needs of students

• Actively engage students in using technology in individual and collaborative learning activities

• Works in a flexible and cooperative manner to advocate for students

• Treats co-workers, supervisors, students, parents and others with dignity and respect at all times

• Serves as a positive role model for students and staff, and practices the behaviors that are expected of our students and staff

• Maintains regular and punctual attendance as set by the assigned building/location to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position to achieve program requirements

• Supervision of students

• Performs other responsibilities related to the role of school psychologist as determined by the Special Services Department

Such alternatives to the above requirements and desirable qualifications may be made as the district finds appropriate and acceptable.

Qualifications:

• Valid Washington State Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate for the role of School Psychologist

• Master's degree, Educational Specialist degree, or Doctorate in School Psychology or equivalent from an accredited college of higher learning

• Successfully complete Washington State Patrol background check. Employee is responsible for the cost of the background check.

• Must be flexible, exhibit a commitment to accomplishment, possess outstanding communication and conceptual skills, demonstrate appropriate and positive student relationships, possess a strong professional orientation, and be willing to actively participate in a team environment

• Knowledge of varied models and ability to apply methods of assessment, data collection, strategies of consultation, collaboration, and communication applicable to students, parents, staff, & community agencies

• Knowledge of biological, cultural, and social influences on academic skills; learning, cognitive, and developmental processes; evidence-based curricula and instructional strategies

• Knowledge of biological, cultural, developmental, and social influences on behavior and mental health; and evidence-based strategies to promote social-emotional functioning

• Knowledge of school and systems structure, organization, and theory, including both general and special education

• Knowledge of principles and research related to resilience and risk factors in learning and mental health, and ability to apply services in schools and communities to support multi-tiered prevention and intervention (Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports)

• Energy and enthusiasm in working with students with disabilities

• Knowledge in, or willingness to learn and use instructional technology, web-based special education programs/systems, and scoring software

• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of second language development on a student's educational progress, and reflecting that knowledge through the evaluation process

• Must possess a valid driver's license

• Must provide own transportation

• Ability to work cooperatively with students and their parents who are culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse

• Advanced ability to use technology as an effective communication, planning, and instructional tool

• Willingness to participate in professional development courses aligned with the school and district initiatives

• Character to act as a role model for students in fulfilling the requirements of RCW 28A.150.211 and RCW 28A.405.030.

Position Summary:

This professional will provide consultation, individual/group counseling, and comprehensive evaluation services designed to enhance student potential to optimally benefit from educational experiences. Services will be provided at one or more primary, middle, and/or high school sites.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This position classification requires subject matter expertise, psychological assessment, and guidance processes. Responsible and directly related assessment and psychological counseling are required to perform problem analysis and to arrive at alternative solutions to student academic, psychological, and emotional problems, issues, and concerns. The position classification performs decision analysis continually, and makes judgments and decisions of considerable consequence. The functional role of this position classification requires the application of a variety of assessment protocols, and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies pertaining to student educational programming and psychological adjustments. The employee meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, other educational staff, and parents to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. This position classification involves work that requires sitting a portion of the time, walking, and standing for extended periods. This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational and psychological materials, and providing highly technical oral and written information. Involves possible travel between schools. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Terms of Employment: continuing contract for the 2024-2025 school year with salary (Base, TRI, Ext Day, Class Funds, Start Up, PLD) and benefits provided as described in the benefit section below. At present, salary is based on the 2023/2024 certificated salary schedule.

Other possible Supplemental contracts:

Department Chair $3,100.00 $5,487.00

Advisor Stipend $2,799.11 $8,073.94

National Board Stipend $3,723.00 $6,206.00

Prep Buyback $64.30 $121.02

Extended Day by Timesheet $45.93 $86.44

Conditions of Employment

• Are you eligible for lawful employment in the United States? Proof of identity and citizenship or legal right to work will be required upon hire.

• I authorize Battle Ground Public Schools, henceforth known as the District, to make any investigation of any personal, educational, vocational, or employment history. I further authorize any former employer, person, firm, corporation, educational, or vocational institution or government agency to provide the District with information they have regarding me. I hereby release and discharge the District and those who provide information from any and all liability as a result of furnishing and receiving this information.

• I certify that answers given herein are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information, including omissions, in my application or interview(s) may result in dismissal at any time during my period of employment with the District. I also understand that any offer of employment that may be made to me is conditional and subject to the acceptable outcome of a criminal history background information check and approval of the Battle Ground Public Schools Board of Directors. I also agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the District.

• Are you willing to be fingerprinted at ESD 112 upon offer of employment, if you do not have current fingerprint records on file? The cost, currently $85.00, to be borne by the applicant.

• Do you confirm that you DO NOT have a serious behavioral problem which endangers the educational welfare or personal safety of students, teachers, or other colleagues? A serious behavior problem includes, but is not limited to: dishonesty; immorality; misuse of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a prescription drug; or furnishing alcohol or controlled substances to a minor or student.

• I have never been convicted/and or pleaded guilty of a crime against children. (If this is true, answer yes. If this is false, answer no.

General Questions

• Are you a current employee of this district? (Please note: substitutes are not considered employees for application purposes.) If yes; what is your district start date and current position?

• Were you previously employed by Battle Ground Public Schools? If yes; when, and in what capacity?

• Do you have a valid First Aid card? If yes; when does it expire?

• Do you have a valid CPR card? If yes; when does it expire?

• Have you ever been convicted and or pleaded guilty to a crime? If yes, please contact Human Resources to explain.

• Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If yes, please contact Human Resources to explain.

Attachment Requirements and Hints

All certificated and classified positions require a cover letter and a list of references. If you choose to refer to specific postings in your cover letter, please check the "Unique to Application" box in the Attachments section.

Extra Curricular positions require a cover letter and documentation of current First Aid and CPR certification. If you are in the process of obtaining certification, please upload a document to that effect in place of the First Aid/CPR attachment.

Unless otherwise indicated, all other attachments are optional.

Benefits

Newly hired employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours in a school year (Sept 1 - Aug 31) will be eligible for SEBB benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long term disability.

Retirement Benefit - Teachers Retirement System options Plan 2 or 3

Every employee under contract for a full year (180 days) will receive twelve (12) days annual sick leave. Sick leave shall be prorated based on the number of paid work days out of the 180 day school year.

Every employee under contract shall receive two (2) days of personal leave.

Parental and Bereavement Leave are also a benefit.

For more information, see Collective Bargaining Agreement: https://www.battlegroundps.org/employment-resources/

Attachments

Cover Letter*

List of References*

Letter of Reference # 1

Letter of Reference # 2

Letter of Reference # 3

Resume

Certificate

Transcripts

Test Results

Other