Psychologist

Reports To: Director of Student Services and School Principal
Minimum Qualifications: Valid CT State Teaching Certificate with appropriate endorsement for School Psychologist
General Description: The School Psychologist, utilizing a sound knowledge base, assessment techniques and intervention skills, will assist educators and parents in providing schooling appropriate to each students abilities and needs.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide school psychology services which support the school systems instructional goals
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork and non-discriminatory practices Assist educators in maintaining a mentally healthy and positive learning environment in the school and in the classroom
• Serve as a consultant to educators and parents on mental health issues, special education needs of students with disabilities (as defined by the IDEA) and gifted children
• Help identify and address the diverse learning needs of all students in assigned school(s)
• Assist with planning and provide in-service training of school personnel
• Participate in the schools Student Assistance, Planning and Placement Team (PPT)/Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings:
  • Guide determinations of appropriate referrals to special education or other dispositions of cases presented to the Student Assistance Team
  • Formally assess (with written parental consent) students determined in need of cognitive/behavioral emotional assessment by the PPT utilizing performance observations, testing and diagnostic procedures determined appropriate by school psychology standards
  • Write a psychological report on each assessed student which includes consideration of school-wide performance, medical, social and psychological background data; is written in classroom teacher user friendly terms; and concludes with professionally sound recommendations for appropriate school programming and/or parental follow through suggestions for the student
  • Present psychological findings and recommendations by participating in the PPT postevaluation conference- complete the entire process, including IEP goal development, on time
  • Explain school psychological services, including assessment procedures and psychological recommendations to educators and parents
  • Provide direct individual/group school adjustment counseling to students, as per written plans and with prior parental approval
  • Maintain follow-up as appropriate on all students on the School Psychologist caseload, including coordination with personnel of juvenile court, community mental health and social welfare agencies in the best interest of students
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and current records as required by law, school system policy, and administrative regulation Page 2 of 3
• Pursue professional development independently and in collaboration with supervisors:
  • Keep abreast of new trends in the field of school and clinical psychology Participate in conducting appropriate research as may be required by his/her supervisor(s)
  • Attend required/relevant staff, professional, and interagency meetings
  • Participate cooperatively with the app

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrates facility in the skills of school psychological screening, assessment and servicing
• Demonstrates practical knowledge of the research in the areas of school and clinical psychology
• Demonstrates knowledge of human growth and development as it relates to the learning process
• Demonstrates knowledge of the public school system, including federal and state mandates
• Plans daily, weekly and monthly schedules to achieve student objectives in priority order
• Effectively implements IEP and less formal counseling goals, and uses appropriate techniques
• Effectively communicates with students of various language ability levels
• Helps students develop positive self-concepts
• Facilitates the independence of the student
• Effectively organizes time, space, materials and equipment to complete evaluative and counseling duties while being visible and remaining available as needed
• Effectively assesses students needs and progress
• Effectively meets the needs of exceptional students (those on IEPs, 504 Plans, or who are Gifted)
• Establishes a positive counseling environment
• Meets professional responsibilities
• Encourages and maintains the cooperative involvement and support of parents and community

Salary: $58,351 - $104,941