School Psychologist Internship

Definition:

Under the general supervision of a PA certified school psychologist and the general direction of the Director of Pupil Personnel, provide psychological services to schools, including testing, counseling, and consulting to assist in meeting the social, emotional, and educational needs of students in regular and special education programs being serviced by the Mars Area School District.

• Administer and interpret psychological assessments of students
• Prepare recommendations regarding the evaluation and placements of students
• Consult with teachers, administrators, specialists, agency and district personnel and parents; counselling students; coordinate behavior management programs.

General directions are provided by a school psychologist and the Director of Pupil Personnel.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Provide psycho-educational assessments of students for districts and programs and participate in resulting Individual Educational Program (IEP) meetings.

Interpret psycho-educational assessment results.

Develop student goals and objectives.

Participate in IEP meetings, as required.

Provide written reports analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing test results, observations and information from school personnel, students, and parents.

Participate in MTSS and SAP meetings.

Develop and monitor progress of behavioral and academic interventions.

Facilitate small groups and individual counseling services.

Develop, coordinate, and provide in-service training to staff, parents, agency and

district personnel

Conduct action research project, as required by university.

Maintain professional competencies in areas of responsibility.

Maintain contact with and participate in professional job-related organizations and

serve as a liaison to professional groups.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of Federal and state laws, codes, regulations, and requirements pertaining to areas of assigned responsibility for regular and special education;
Principles, practices, methods, and strategies applicable to special education curriculum development and strategies for implementation;
Psychological and educational techniques, tests, materials, methods, theories, and trends in assessment and identifying a typical student learning and behavior characteristic.

Ability to counsel students in individual and group situations;
Select and apply appropriate assessment instruments and methods of assessment;
Write coherent and comprehensive psychological reports;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Establish effective working relationships with staff, district personnel, other agencies, and the public;
Be flexible and receptive to change;
Adapt to periodic heavy workload;
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

A Bachelor of Arts Degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in educational psychology or closely related field.

One (1) year of fieldwork in an accredited School Psychologist Program.

At least one (1) year experience as a trainee in a school district, using appropriate psycho/ educational assessments.

Eligible to apply for an intern credential by meeting the education/experience requirements above.

The following conditions may be present:
Walking on uneven ground when outdoors;
Exposure to student illness, injuries, infections, and bodily fluids;
May be exposed to chemicals contained in cleaning products;
May be required to maneuver into awkward positions.

Must have all required state clearances completed within one year of date of hire; TB Test results, proof of professional liability insurance.