School Psychologist*

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: School Psychologist

QUALIFICATIONS: Must hold proper state certification

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education, Building Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Pay and benefits provided according to the Teacher's Negotiated Agreement.

POSITION SUMMARY: Provides psycho-educational assessments, program planning, intervention, and consultation services that promote mental health and facilitate students learning. Encourages parental involvement in decision-making activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Advocates for children. Helps ensure that policies and procedures support non-biased assessment and program planning activities.

• Consults with administrators to evaluate the ability of the school psychology services to meet the needs of students.

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative guidelines and procedures.

• Encourages community/school partnerships that enhance the school's operational effectiveness.

• Monitors education laws, rules, and regulations. Develops procedural protocols necessary to comply with legislative mandates.

• Ensures that informed written consent of parents/guardians is obtained before assessment and/or providing services when appropriate.

• Participates in a differentiated referral system that allows staff and parents to request a multi-factored evaluation and/or consultation for non-disabled students.

• Participates in intervention assistance team meetings. Works with team members to reach a consensus on a plan for students requiring assistance and monitors the efficiency of recommendations.

• Chairs multifactored evaluation team as directed by the district.

• Administers diagnostic tests and interprets results.

• Observes students in the classroom settings and records observations.

• Helps facilitate the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students meeting eligibility requirements. Works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.

• Participates in due process procedures as requested.

• Maintains accurate records and submits reports on time.

• Maintains accurate documentation for the Ohio School Medicaid program and submits billing on a timely/monthly basis.

• Respects personal privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.

• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., telephone calls, messages, meetings, etc.)

• Schedules home visits when appropriate to support program goals.

• Provides support to help parents understand and improve parenting skills.

• Helps coordinate services for students participating in community programs (e.g., preschools, residential facilities, etc.)

• Works with staff to carry out "child find" and preschool/kindergarten screening activities.

• Collaborates with teachers. Shares knowledge and resources that enhance student learning.

• Informs teachers in the early identification of mental health risks.

• Works with community services associated with students' programs (e.g., court systems, law enforcement, health care facilities, child welfare services, etc.)

• Takes precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Does not leave students unsupervised.

• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by law.

• Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities.

• Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct.

• Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional demeanor.

• Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.

• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.