School Psychologist

POSITION: School Psychologist (1.0 FTE)

LOCATION: Central Office

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services

PURPOSE:

School Psychologists support students’ learning, social development, and mental and behavioral health using problem solving, assessment, data-based decision-making, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions. School psychologists collaborate and consult with educators, families, and other professionals to help create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

School psychologists provide a comprehensive range of services as described in the current standards from the National Association of School Psychologists. The school psychologist functions as part of the district’s Student Support Services Team. This team collaboratively provides a multi-tiered system of supports through implementation and monitoring of evidence-based behavioral and academic interventions for all students in need. The services provided should reflect the specific needs of the students, families, and schools served and address the following non-exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, and expectations:

Data-Based Decision Making and Accountability

School psychologists utilize varied models and methods of assessment and data collection for identifying strengths and needs of individual students and the broader school community, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes.

Consultation and Collaboration

School psychologists consult and collaborate with colleagues, students, families and other stakeholders to promote effective implementation of services.

Interventions and Instructional Support to Develop Academic Skills

School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data collection methods and to implement and evaluate services that support cognitive and academic skills.

Interventions and Mental Health Services to Develop Social and Life Skills

School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data-collection methods to implement and evaluate services that support socialization, learning, and mental and behavioral health, including but not limited to behavioral supports, individual and group counseling, and social skills training.

School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning

School psychologists develop and implement practices and strategies to create and maintain effective and supportive learning environments for children and others (e.g., positive behavior interventions and supports).

Preventive and Responsive Services

School psychologists promote services that enhance learning, mental and behavioral health, safety, and physical well-being through protective and adaptive factors and to implement effective crisis preparation, response, and recovery.

Family–School Collaboration Services

School psychologists implement and evaluate services that respond to culture and context and facilitate family and school partnerships and interactions with community agencies for enhancement of academic and social–behavioral outcomes for children.

Diversity in Development and Learning

School psychologists provide effective professional services that promote effective functioning for individuals, families, and schools with diverse characteristics, cultures, and backgrounds and across multiple contexts, with recognition that an understanding and respect for diversity in development and learning and advocacy for social justice are foundations for all aspects of service delivery.

Research and Program Evaluation

School psychologists evaluate and apply research as a foundation for service delivery and, in collaboration with others, use various techniques and technology resources for data collection, measurement, and analysis to support effective practices at the individual, group, and/or systems levels.

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice

School psychologists provide services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards; engage in responsive ethical and professional decision-making; collaborate with other professionals; and apply professional work characteristics needed for effective practice as school psychologists, including respect for human diversity and social justice, communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, responsibility, adaptability, initiative, dependability, and technology skills.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified applicants will have completed an accredited graduate degree program at the specialist-level (e.g., Ed.S., M.A. + CAGS; M.A. + CAS; M.S./M.A.) or higher requiring a minimum of 60 graduate semester hours of study and a 1200 hour supervised internship in School Psychology, with a minimum of 600 hours in a school setting.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified applicants will hold or be eligible to obtain a valid School Psychologist license/certificate issued by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ENVIRONMENT, AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   

Qualified applicants will possess good oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, problem-solving, and consultation and collaboration skills. Oral and written communication is required for sharing information with staff and parents. Computer processing and data entry are required for this position. Visual acuity and hearing are required for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment of less than 25 pounds and assisting with students may be required. The ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with multiple deadlines, a variety of people and personnel, and frequent interruptions is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

School psychologists have the opportunity to participate in various departmental and district-wide initiatives, including but not limited to serving on advisory groups or steering committees, and providing professional development and mentorship or supervision (depending on experience).

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

To be determined based on education and experience as determined by NC Public School Salary Schedule plus a local supplement.