Psychologist, Special ; CPP OSS

Psychologist – Special Start (CPP) (11 months)

Office of Student Services

Cambridge Public Schools Special Start Program provides special education services and programs for children with a wide range of disabilities. The program is designed to partner with caregivers to provide appropriate screening, evaluation, and special education services to young children.

Children with disabilities are assigned to classrooms through the special education Team Evaluation Process and have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The Special Start program serves children from a range of disability categories, including:

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of support and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of Student Services and the Director of Student Services, the Psychologist will conduct psychological assessments and serve as Team Chairperson for the school(s) to which they are assigned.

• Conduct and interpret psychological assessments resulting in comprehensive written reports that meet criteria in accordance with state and federal special education requirements
• Chair school-based Special Education Team Meetings, including, but not limited to, Initial Evaluations, Three-Year Reevaluations, and Manifestation Determinations
• Provide leadership to school-based CPP Special Education Teams through technical assistance around implementation of state and federal special education law and regulations, and Office of Special Education procedures
• Develop and oversee the effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with appropriate documentation
• Work closely with school staff to ensure that the learning, behavioral, and social‑emotional needs of students are addressed by leading the preschool team assigned
• Serve as a staff resource with respect to disability categories, differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and analysis of assessment results
• Consult with administrators, special educators, and related service providers, RtI Teams, general educators, parents, and outside agencies
• Facilitate inter‑agency (DCF, DYS, CBHI, DMH, etc.) collaboration with school-based Special Education Teams
• Facilitate the intake of students from Early Intervention
• Serve as a liaison for students in Out of District Placements
• Maintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety
• Carry out other related duties as may be designated by the Executive Director and Director of the Office of Special Education

• Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Massachusetts License:
  School Psychologist required
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations
• Experience working in an urban, multi‑cultural school system with a variety of special education service models preferred

Apply online d.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.