SUMMARY:

A school psychologist evaluates pupils referred to as potential candidates for Special Education programs and services. They serve as a member of the Individual Educational Plan team. The school psychologist is responsible for the educational evaluation and diagnosis of students thought to be exceptional. An evaluation may include intelligence, achievement, curriculum-based assessment, personality, adaptive functioning, and neurological screening. Consult with the child’s caregivers, school personnel, and outside agencies when appropriate. The psychologist also recommends appropriate educational interventions and aids in the implementation of those programs. They shall present a comprehensive evaluation report to the local education authority on pupils he/she has evaluated. Additionally, the school psychologist will conduct mandated reevaluations, classroom observations, participate in team meetings, and make referrals to outside agencies, when appropriate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (others may be assigned):

• Conducts extensive comprehensive assessments of referred students and provides written evaluation reports within state-mandated timelines.
• Participates in Individual Educational Program (IEP) conferences for referred students, or as requested.
• Assists in the development of IEP goals and objectives. Participates in the development of behavior management plans.
• Serves as an educational consultant concerning exceptional or thought to be exceptional students for intermediate unit or school personnel.
• Provide professional training to district or intermediate unit personnel on an as-needed basis.
• Interpret assessment results to school personnel, other concerned professionals, parents, and students. Make recommendations based on the assessment data.
• Serve as a referral source for students requiring services outside of school and collaborate with outside agencies, when appropriate.
• Maintain a valid state driver’s license and ability to drive without advanced notice

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The employee is directly responsible for the safety and well-being of the students with whom they work.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in school psychology or related field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as a School Psychologist.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

A school psychologist must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret written reports, professional journals, technical manuals, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, professional correspondence, behavior plans, and Individual Educational Programs. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

The successful candidate must have the ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Must be able to perform simple calculations and collect systematic data through observation and formal assessment.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

An effective school psychologist must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and other professional peers; the ability to speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication. The ability to problem solve and think conceptually are also critical skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is an itinerant position and the employee will be expected to travel to perform the duties listed above. The Director of Student Services may assign other duties as deemed appropriate.