School Psychologist

Title: School Psychologist

Department: Student Services 

Supervisor: Executive Director of Student Services

Classification: Certified

Overview:

The School Psychologist provides direct support and interventions to students, families, and other school professionals.  This position provides psycho-educational assessments, program planning, and consultations that promote mental health and facilitate student learning.  The School Psychologist also collaborates with school administrators and community providers to coordinate needed services for students within the district.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Ohio school psychologist license or certification
• Valid Ohio Department of Education license appropriate for the assignment
• Record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment
• Working relationship with community resources that are appropriate for the needs of students

Responsibilities:

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of performance expectations, but are not considered all inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned as necessary.  A reasonable accommodation may be to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions:
 

• Conducts psychological and academic assessments; collects and interprets student and classroom data
• Monitors education laws, rules and regulations; develops protocols necessary to comply with legislative mandates
• Participates in a differentiated referral system that allows staff and parents to request an evaluation and/or consultation for non-disabled students
• Collaborates with staff in intervention assistance meetings; administers diagnostic tests and interprets results and monitors effectiveness of interventions
• Helps formulate and guide the implementation of IEPs for students meeting eligibility requirements; works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment
• Performs student observation in classroom settings and records observations; collaborates with teachers to share knowledge and resources that enhance student learning
• Works to improve student development, including communication, social skills and social-emotional learning
• Identifies at-risk students and school vulnerabilities; works to prevent bullying and other forms of school violence
• Consults with parents as needed and provides programs to help parents understand/improve parenting skills
• Obtains informed written consent of parents/guardians before conducting assessments, providing services, or coordinating outside referral services
• Coordinates services for students participating in community programs
• Works with staff to carry out “child find” and preschool/kindergarten screening activities as necessary
• Instructs teachers in the early identification of mental health risks and helps staff address student concerns (i.e., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations)
• Serves as a resource for drug prevention awareness and intervention activities
• Conducts group sessions as needed to address student concerns (i.e., conflict mediation, grief, personal behavior, etc.)
• May supervise the work of authorized school psychology interns
• Participates in conferences, staff meetings, and other required program activities as directed

East Central Ohio ESC Staff Expectations:

• Upholds Board policies and follow administrative guidelines/procedures
• Promotes a favorable image of the ESC and service area school districts; supports community partnerships that enhance program services
• Maintains records as specified by law and/or Board policy
• Maintains confidentiality of privileged information
• Ensures the safety of students and colleagues; watches for problem situations and works with staff to eliminate unacceptable behaviors and/or conditions
• Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to legal authorities as required by law
• Participates in professional growth opportunities that improve future performance

Skills & Abilities:

• Acts in accordance with the professional code of conduct
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records
• Effective use of listening, observation, reading, verbal/nonverbal and writing skills
• Ability to use appropriate methods of assessment and systematic processes to collect data
• Analytical capabilities to evaluate assessment results and make data-based decisions on services
• Working knowledge of special education laws, district rules/regulations and appropriate procedures
• Ability to deal effectively and appropriately with students, parents and other educational professionals regarding student concerns and problems

Please submit a resume and a letter of interest to Nanette McFadden, Executive Director of Human Resources, at nanette.mcfadden@ecoesc.org.