School Psychologist, Elementary Level

School Psychologist

The school psychologist delivers school-based psycho-educational services that improve student performance, enhance student educational success, and promote the mental health interests of children and youth. The school psychologist typically works at two or more school sites where services are provided to both general and special education students. Primary services include consultation and collaboration with students, parents and staff, conducting non-biased special education assessments and evaluations, analyzing and interpreting evaluation results, providing support for team-based interventions, supporting school teams to assist with data-informed decisions, and guiding staff and parents regarding the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of students.

The school psychologist is expected to adhere to applicable federal and state laws and regulations and Hamburg Area School District policies and departmental procedures. Reports to the Director of Special Education and Student Services.

Education, Certifications and Licenses:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university, and Hold a professional certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in school psychology. A valid driver's license that allows the applicant/employee to legally operate an insured motor vehicle in Pennsylvania.

Experience:

Demonstrate sensitivity/understanding of interpersonal relations with students and persons of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Demonstrate professional and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, school personnel, and members of the community. Possesses high moral standards and integrity. Leadership and management skills highly desirable.

Cultivates and models a respectful working and learning environment. Works effectively and collaboratively with diverse student, staff and community populations. Strives to improve professional competence through an ongoing program of reading, workshops, seminars, conferences, classes, and other professional development activities. Remains an active learner, being willing to learn new ways to do things. Follows-up appropriately on all referrals for assessment services.

Uses a wide variety of assessment techniques to evaluate students' academic skills, learning aptitudes, personality and emotional development, adaptive behavior, and social skills. Integrates assessment data into a concise, organized and educationally relevant evaluation report. Coordinates special education evaluations and re-evaluations for all students in assigned levels. Attends data team meetings in the assigned school(s), IEP meetings and meetings of the school psychologists.

Responds to questions from parents concerning the evaluation process and district procedures. Maintains accurate, complete and confidential records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations. Maintains compliance with state and federal rules for establishing special education eligibility and completing evaluations. Works harmoniously with others and communicates effectively (both orally and in writing) with students, parents and staff. Works as an active, contributing team member of school teams, regional teams, district teams and Student Services Department groups to solve problems and create new opportunities.

Facilitates special education meetings. Operates computer and software programs as related to job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures with respect to student safety, security, confidentiality and ethical practice. Ability to travel to more than one work location in the course of the day.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Demonstrate regular and consistent attendance and punctuality. Use consultation and collaborative problem solving with school personnel and parents to address student learning, behavior, mental health, and social issues.

Assist parents with referring the student to appropriate community agencies, when needed. Work directly with students, educators, and parents in a systematic process of intervention assistance and short-term support services that may focus on academic or behavioral interventions and supports, learning strategies, counseling services, social skills instruction, and other targeted services for support of instruction and intervention. Assist with the development of individualized intervention plans for at-risk students and support for implementation of curriculum-based measurement practices for universal screening and progress monitoring.

Conduct assessments and…