Psychology

LIVINGSTON SCHOOL DISTRICTS 4 & 1

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Live, work and play in one of the best learning communities in Montana. The Livingston School District is accepting applications for a School Psychologist. The work of the successful applicant is a critical link to our growing education community and to the ongoing development of future generations.

This position requires a Montana Teaching Specialist License with appropriate endorsement at the time of employment. The District provides a comprehensive cafeteria style benefit package which includes: retirement plan, sick and personal leave, health insurance, life insurance, a retirement plan and numerous tax-sheltered annuities (403b's and 457b’s).

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE

School Psychologist

PURPOSE

This position is responsible for evaluating students referred as potential candidates for Special Education programs in accordance with the mission and vision of the Livingston School District

REPORTS TO

PreK-12 Director of Student Services/Early Literacy Coordinator

The Student Services Department of the Livingston School District is a fundamental component of the education process. Students, parents and community members commit time, energy and resources to ensure students are afforded the opportunity to learn in a supportive, competitive and engaging environment.

School psychologist to provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, school administrators and other professionals to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices. Job duties include: Data collection and analysis, assessment, progress monitoring, program development to enhance school-wide practices that promote learning, consultation and collaboration, academic/learning interventions, mental health and interventions, behavioral interventions.

The psychology staff are responsible for adhering and modeling the guiding principles of the District as well as ensuring the mission of creating a student-centered educational community.

CRITICAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts student evaluations and reporting in accordance with District policy and best practices.

• Conducts extensive psychological and academic examinations of referred students.

• Assess student emotional and behavioral needs.

• Provide individual and group counseling if needed.

• Promote problem solving, anger management and conflict resolution.

• Reinforce positive coping skills and resilience.

• Promote positive peer relationships and social problem solving.

• Participates in case conferencing.

• Serves as a resource person to teachers, parents and students.

• Interprets exam results, diagnoses to school personnel, other professionals, parents and students.

• Recommends assistance and applicable service plans for effective student engagement.

• Makes referrals to and help coordinate community services provided in schools.

• Improve Academic Achievement.

• Promotes student motivation and engagement facilitating individualized instruction and interventions.

• Manages student and classroom behavior and progress.

• Collects and interprets student and classroom data.

• Support Diverse Learners.

• Assesses diverse learning needs.

• Provides culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds.

• Plans appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities.

• Modifies and adapt curricula and instruction.

• Adjusts classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning.

• Monitors and effectively communicate with parents regarding student progress.

• Create Safe, Positive School Climates

• Prevents bullying and other forms of violence.

• Supports social–emotional learning.

• Assesses school climate and improve school connectedness.

• Implements and promote positive discipline and restorative justice.

• Implements school-wide positive behavioral supports.

• Identifies at risk students and school vulnerabilities.

• Provides crisis prevention and intervention services.

• Strengthen Family–School Partnerships.

• Helps families understand their child’s learning and mental health needs.

• Assists in navigating special education processes.

• Connects families with community service providers when necessary.

• Helps effectively engage families with teachers and other school staff.

• Enhances staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Helps students transition between school and community learning environments, such as residential treatment or juvenile justice programs.

• Improves School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior.

• Generates and interpret useful student and school outcome data.

• Collects and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes.

• Plans services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels.

• Performance Responsibilities.

• Participates as an MTSS member across assigned buildings.

• Collaborates with outside agencies in order to ensure the best quality education for students.

• Assists team members in using data to drive instructional practices.

• Effectively creates and helps to implement Positive Behavior Support Plans and Aversive Treatment Plans for students.

• Provides direct services to students.

•  Works with the special services director to assist families as they enter into the special education process and provides resources as needed.

• Assists with transitions between grade levels as well as schools.

• Completes transfer paperwork in a timely manner as well as makes recommendations dependent on the transfer student’s individualized education plan.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Master’s degree in school psychology or equivalent. Preferred work experience demonstrating proficiency of technical skill and student/patient care. Strong understanding of elementary and secondary education and specifically the purpose and mission of the Livingston School District.

Valid Teaching certificate with one or more special education endorsements.

Must have excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage a large volume of diverse priorities, conflicting goals and navigate difficult situations.

Excellent computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email, data programs and teaching software. Must be proficient with Microsoft office products and technology.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Desires to work in an MTSS district and has experience with MTSS

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical c