Middle School Psychologist

Ottawa USD 290 www.usd290.org

USD 290 is seeking a proactive and empathetic Middle School Psychologist to support the academic, social, and emotional development of our students. In this role, you will be a vital member of our multi-disciplinary team, helping to bridge the gap between mental health and educational success during the critical middle school years.

Essential Functions:

The Middle School Psychologist plays a central role in student advocacy and intervention. Key responsibilities include:

1. Comprehensive Evaluations: Conducting psychological and educational assessments to determine eligibility for special education services and identifying specific learning or behavioral needs.
2. Data-Driven Intervention: Collaborating with the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) team to design, implement, and monitor evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.
3. Crisis Response & Counseling: Providing short-term individual and group counseling, as well as leading crisis intervention and risk assessments when necessary.
4. Behavioral Support: Developing and overseeing Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) to foster a positive learning environment.
5. Consultation & Advocacy: Serving as a consultant to teachers, administrators, and families to support student mental health and ensure classroom strategies align with student needs.

Qualifications:

1. Valid Kansas Professional School Psychologist License through KSDE.
2. Specialization in adolescent development and trauma-informed care.
3. Excellent communication skills for navigating complex IEP and 504 meetings.

Additional coaching and advisory positions may be available for the successful applicant.

Click HERE to view the District facilities.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Assistant Superintendent/Special Education Director Joe Vitt at ...

Click HERE to apply. Please complete entire application.

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information

The Ottawa School District is comprised of three elementary schools, a middle school, high school and three alternative programs, with a total student population of 2,400. The staff consists of more than 200 certified teachers, 14 administrators and over 150 educational support personnel. Technology is a high priority for the district. Elementary classrooms are equipped with Smartboards; secondary classes have wireless air slates; LCD projectors are available in all classrooms; and an additional 1,153 new computers have been added. Instructional coaches and a mentoring program are additional resources available to ensure that new teachers have the support necessary.

Ottawa is the county seat of Franklin County. It is a community of 13,000, located in northeast Kansas on the I-35 corridor, just 20 miles from Lawrence and 45 miles from Kansas City. Emporia and the Johnson County area are also a short drive away. Ottawa is a growing community with new housing developments that offer numerous new homes. An established industrial park, as well as Wal-Mart and American Eagle distribution centers are also located in Ottawa.

USD 290 provides certified employees with an employer funded 403(b) account. After six years of service to the district, the teacher becomes vested in 10% of the value within his/her employer paid account. The vested portion will continue to increase by 10% until the teacher is 100% vested upon beginning his/her 11th continuous year with USD 290.

Ottawa School District also offers employees health insurance options with a very minimal cost for a single policy. For veteran teachers, years of service in previous districts are honored.