Duties
School Psychologist Job Description
Job Summary: Measures and evaluates the intellectual, academic, social, and emotional development of children; interprets results of psychological studies; applies state and federal laws and codes; and develops strategies and interventions to address the special education needs of eligible students in a collaborative setting.
Supervisor: Principal
Essential Functions: (specific roles and functions will vary depending on assignment)
Duties and Responsibilities
Assessment
- Demonstrates and applies knowledge of screening/referral process and participate in procedures as appropriate
- Demonstrates and applies knowledge of formal and informal assessment procedures and instruments
- Selects assessment instruments appropriate but not necessarily limited to referral questions
- Conducts assessments in a manner which insures validity and reliability
- Interprets assessment information accurately and present findings/recommendations in a timely manner that can be understood by parents and staff and which are appropriate to student needs
- Recommends appropriate special education eligibility, services, and programs based on knowledge of special education and assessment information
- Conducts follow-up assessments as needed
- Participates in benchmarking and progress monitoring
- Uses information and technology resources to enhance data collection and decision making
- Organizes and maintains all records and protocols in a secure location
Direct Services
- Demonstrates an understanding of individual and group counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques based on sound psychological and personality theories
- Conducts observations of students to analyze behavior and learning
- Develops and progress monitors goals for individual and group counseling sessions
- Employs a variety of individual and/or group counseling techniques to address identified goals as needed
- Participates in the development and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan
- Provides consultation to teachers and parents on strategies to effect positive changes for students and their environment
- Assists in the implementation of school-wide program development and program evaluation (e.g., crisis intervention services, RtI, MTSS, PBIS, etc.)
- Develops and/or implements behavior change programs at individual, group, classroom, and school-wide levels that demonstrate the use of appropriate ecological and behavioral approaches (e.g., positive reinforcement, social skills training, and positive psychology)
- Analyzes student data to evaluate student progress and to inform instruction
- Implements strategies to maintain students in the least restrictive environment
- Demonstrates knowledge and provides linkages to community resources available to parents, students, and staff as needed
- Organizes and maintains accurate records of all psychological services provided
- Participates in eligibility meetings, IEP meetings, and other pertinent meetings at various schools assigned, as needed
- Applies knowledge of evidence-based interventions and programs in designing, implementing, and evaluating the fidelity and effectiveness of school-wide intervention plans
- Conducts IEP meetings
- Participates in District and site-based committees and in-service activities
Communication
- Completes clearly written and comprehensive reports which provide practical recommendations
- Manages and coordinates required paperwork in a timely manner
- Communicates and participates in an effective constructive and positive manner with students, staff, and parents
- Collaborates and interacts positively with all school personnel
- Promotes positive public relations with the school and community
Professionalism
- Demonstrates an understanding of the psychologist’s role with respect to the District assignment
- Adheres to appropriate ethical standards and legal conduct specific to school psychology and education
- Provides culturally competent and effective practices in all areas of school psychology service delivery and in the contexts of diverse individual, family, school, and community characteristics
- Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information, while recognizing the safety and welfare for all students and staff members.
- Follows policies and procedures of the District
- Demonstrates and applies knowledge of special education legislation
- Demonstrates and applies knowledge in the field of school psychology including current issues and trends
- Creates accurate documents in all aspects of the role
- Supports students’ best interests
- Responds professionally to feedback
- Participates in professional growth activities
Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Professional Educator License for School Support Personnel with School Psychologist Endorsement
Salary/Benefits
Commensurate with Education, Experience and, Credentials.
Additional Notes
Lansing School District #158 is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.