School Psychologist

Job Overview Under general direction of the Executive Director, Director of Education, and/or the School Principal, to evaluate the needs of children in an educational setting; to perform psycho-educational assessments to determine appropriate programs and instructional processes to enable students to achieve maximum achievement and adjustment; to assist students in understanding and seeking solutions to social, emotional, or academic problems and issues; to serve as a resource pertaining to student behavior management and learning strategies, and welfare and attendance problems and concerns; and to do other related functions as directed . What you'll do Performs a variety of individual and group psycho-educational assessment and diagnosis of specific learning, emotional and behavioral disabilities; Prepares recommendations pertaining to student remediation, placement in special programs, and psycho-educational interventions; Consults and confers with instructional and administrative personnel in the development and implementation of instructional methods and procedures designed to facilitate learning and to overcome learning and behavioral disorders; Participates in parent conferences, pupil evaluation reviews and provides pupil profiles indicating learning strengths and weaknesses; Serves as a member to the counselors and collaborates with other team members in planning special programs, and in the use of remedial instructional materials for students. Consults with parents to further their understanding of the learning and emotional adjustment processes pertaining to their child; Counsels pupils individually and in small groups using a variety of data gathering and therapy techniques; Serves as a resource to site and team members of the school community concerning youth services; Serves as a liaison between the schools and mental health and juvenile agencies in pursuing referral follow-ups; Assists in the development and monitoring of individual education plans for students and research psychological service program; Assists in identifying school psychological service needs; Plans and presents, as requested, a variety of management related reports pertaining to school psychological service functions and activities.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situation, the incumbent shall temporarily perform any duties, as directed, within the authorization of any credentials held by the incumbent and that are a part of the class description requirements in effect at the time such duties are performed . Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Principles, methods , techniques , strategies, and trends in educational , social , and emotional adjustment assessment functions; Applicable and appropriate psychological and achievement appraisal instruments, techniques,and procedures; Social service and youth service agencies in the local area; Social, emotional and behavioral characteristics of pre-school through twelve grade. Evaluation and research techniques, strategies, and procedures; Curriculum and instruction programs beneficial to pupils with special learning needs. Shared view of the school's mission. Organization and time-management skills. Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook, and experience using them in a professional capacity. Minimum of 2 years experience working in a special education school or a school that had special education students that you worked with. Effectively and efficiently assess students and aid them in analyzing and developing alternative solutions to behavioral , educational , social and emotional problems and concerns; Conduct, analyze, and effectively utilize a variety of individual and group counseling techniques applicable to the student with severe learning, behavioral and emotional needs; Effectively deal with Altus Academy and District personnel, parents, social service, and youth service agencies in resolving student problems and concerns; Effectively participate in the planning and implementation of individual educational and learning plans; Communicate effectively in oral and written form; Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal accountability controls; Establish and maintain effective organizational, public and community relationships. Equivalent to the completion of an earned master of arts or higher degree in psychology, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field. Two years of successful school psychologist experience, classroom teaching or counseling experience at the elementary or secondary school level is desirable.

PERFERRED REQUIREMENTS

Experience working with the proposed age groups. Knowledge of alternative public school environments (i.e. non-public special education schools).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:

Knowledge of the fundamental principles and accepted practices, current trends, literature and research in the field of school psychology. Knowledge of federal, state and local policies, rules, laws, regulations and legislation pertaining to school psychology. Knowledge and understanding of Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act school system and special education programs. Knowledge and skill in the use of a variety of service delivery models including direct pull out and the collaborative practices of consultation. Ability to use a variety of evidence-based methods, techniques, and practices in school psychology. Knowledge of K-12 and special education curriculum and Altus Academy and Multiple District instructional objectives. Knowledge of both Altus Academy and District policies and procedures, goals and objectives, organizational structure and functions, the California Education Code, Board of Education rules and resolutions. Ability to work effectively with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability, and socioeconomic groups. Ability to communicate effectively with students,supervisors, co-workers, parents, and other personnel, both individually and as a group. Ability to compose and comprehend written communication and to communicate effectively with students, parents, various district personnel, Altus Academy teachers, and administration. Ability to observe students' activities. Ability to cope with crisis situations. Ability to cope with multiple tasks. Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner that effectively represents Altus Academy and the field of psychology. Knowledge of staff development and professional development resources and the ability to implement them. Ability to cope with high volume work and multiple tasks. Ability to effectively utilize computer technologies. Ability to cope with student high behaviors.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Must possess a valid First Aid Card, CPR Certificate, and CPI card. Possess a valid unexpired Class C license. Must have no points on driving record and have personal auto liability insurance. Also, Possession of a valid California credential authorizing service as a school psychologist.

LANGUAGE AND WRITING SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Speak professionally and effectively, write grammatically correct, while using correct punctuations and sentence structure.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to independently solve unique student and employer situations. Ability to understand and carry out detailed written and oral instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to supervise children, maintain effective working relationships with children and staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit and occasionally required to walk or stand. The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job. The employee frequently uses hand strength to grasp tools. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds such as students.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints and interact with the public and other workers. The employee has direct responsibility for the safety and well‐being of others. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud to where you have to raise your voice to be heard.

CONTINUING EDUCATION/TRAINING

As needed and/or as required

OTHER FUNCTIONS/DUTIES

Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

CLEARANCES

Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance TB Clearance Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$63,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person