School Psychologist - SY 24/25 - Cottonwood (11432)

Purpose:

The School Psychologist provides a range of school psychological services to children, including screening and assessment, and designing remedial educational programs. The School Psychologist functions as a member of the multi-discilplinary team to determine the student's eligibility for special services, appropriate programming, and on-going progress. The School Psychologist implements all procedures to meet compliance standards as outlined in the Governing Board policies for the identification and placement of students eligible for special education services. Finally, the School Psychologist consults with education professionals to ensure the academic achievement and social development of students.

Responsibilities:

• Consult with principals to promote school-wide academic achievement and positive school culture through the analysis of data.

• Screen and evaluate referred children including selecting appropriate instruments, administering tests, observations, and writing reports which state the evaluation findings and provide for educational program recommendations.

• Screen and evaluate referred children using appropriate methods to address all areas of suspected disability. Select appropriate instruments, administer tests, and conduct observations. Gather data from all relevant sources including teachers, parents, medical professionals, mental health agencies and therapists.

• Provide Multi-disciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) with reports that include raw evaluation data, interpretations and recommendations that are accessible to teachers and parents in order to make informed educational decisions.

• Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and the individualized education program (IEP) contributing evaluation findings and collaborating on the child's educational plan.

• Coordinate members of the MET during the evaluation process.

• Provide collaborative consultation and documentation of results including assisting education staff with suggestions and implementation of RTI, pre-referral intervention strategies, and providing recommendations and modifications to assist staff in working with special education students in the classroom setting.

• Consult and collaborate with teachers and staff regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) and pre-referral intervention strategies. Provide recommendations regarding accommodations and modifications for special education students in the classroom setting.

• Provide direct services through a variety of methods (e.g. classroom presentations, in-services to staff/parents, etc) as needed.

• Adhere to the ethical standards and codes of the profession and to the established rules, regulations, and laws governing special education programs. Participate in activities that promote professional development and use educational research to enhance recommendations.

• Support and implement District policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives; demonstrates knowledge of the District's programs, and philosophies regarding least restrictive environment.

• Submit records, reports and assignments promptly and efficiently.

• Deals with obstacles and constraints positively.

• Demonstrate ability to adjust to and use new approaches in the performance of his/her duties.

• Seek and take advantage of opportunities for professional growth.

• Maintain dress and appearance appropriate to a professional office setting.

Qualifications:

• Individual must possess a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Must have a valid school psychologist certificate or proof of eligibility.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Must have successfully completed a school psychologist master's program.