School Psychologist

School Psychologist

The School Psychologist provides a full range of psycho educational services to improve student outcomes in the school setting. They accomplish this by leading problem-solving efforts to support better student engagement and learning at the individual, classroom, and school level. School Psychologists work with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment. At times, they will work to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the full benefits of the education they receive.

The School Psychologist may have assigned responsibilities for evaluation, consultation, and other services to students in pre-school through post-high school levels. They demonstrate knowledge and understanding of IDEA, ADA Section 504, and Michigan Special Education Law. An understanding of the rationale of testing, measurement, and skills in the administration of tests, including those that measure intelligence, achievement, adaptive behavior, and perceptual-motor skills.

Comprehensive understanding of personality development and the assessment of human behavior. Mastery of a broad understanding of learning and learning impairments. Provides school psychological services to any student in need. Administers tests which may include intelligence, achievement, personality, adaptive behavior, and perceptual-motor tests. Collect necessary, relevant data through the demonstrated ability to administer/interpret/analyze standardized assessments. Integrates data obtained from tests and from other sources of information, and has the ability to communicate these diagnostic findings to other professionals, parents, and pupils in a meaningful way.

Effectively use data to inform evidence-based decision-making. Assist in identifying at-risk students and targeting intervention supports to address their learning challenges. Assist with and lead the district's response to Crisis and Risk Assessments. Assist in the exploration, installation, and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) by application of data-informed consultation and systems coaching. Collaborates in program planning and evaluation services for decision-making purposes.

Assess the effects of instructional strategies, curriculum application, supportiveness of the learning environment, and disability related learning challenges. Provide support to assess the effectiveness of school-wide systems. Design response-to-intervention approaches that lead to effective instructional strategies and learning supports. Conduct functional behavior assessments and develop behavior intervention plans that support effective student engagement. Performs systematic direct observations of pupils. Work with school staff to develop and implement school-wide positive behavioral supports.

Consult with parents and school staff to support student learning and behavior. Collaborates with staff in planning educational intervention, curriculum, behavioral management, and teaching strategies. Consults, counsels, and collaborates with students, parents, school personnel, and appropriate outside personnel regarding mental health, behavioral, and educational concerns utilizing psychological principles. Knowledge of computer technology necessary to implement computer applications for management, to understand technology's instructional value, and to develop the technological skills needed in the delivery of special education services.

Adheres to NASP Principles of Professional Ethics Maintains a high level of confidentiality in working with student information. Complies with established documentation standards. Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.