Description | Purpose Statement
The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose/s of measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological assessments; interpreting and applying state and federal codes; and developing strategies and interventions to address the special education needs of eligible students.
This job reports to Director of Special Services
Essential Functions
- Administers standardized and/or supplemental assessments (e.g. cognitive, social/emotional, etc.) for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Assesses students' functional capabilities in multiple environments for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations for appropriate services and/or placement.
- Attends and/or facilitates meetings (e.g. processess, etc.) for the purpose of coordinating the efforts of school staff and ensuring that state mandates are followed.
- Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, nurse, probation officer, mental health agencies, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.
- Conducts individual and small group counseling for special education and at risk students, open IEP requirements for the purpose of promoting psychological, social and behavioral success in the educational setting.
- Consistent interaction with students for the purpose of educating students.
- Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing relevant information, developing plans, implementing behavioral strategies, and making recommendations.
- Coordinates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service and mental health services for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments and coordinating services to meet the needs of specific students.
- Counsels students and provides resources and assistance to parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
- Develops behavior plans, curriculum modifications, etc. for the purpose of implementing IEP goals and related objectives.
- Evaluates the effectiveness and appropriateness of school programs and interventions (e.g. crisis intervention services, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective support for children who experience physical, mental, social or emotional difficulties.
- Interprets and explains assessment results and eligibility considerations to personnel (e.g. parents, teachers, administrators, team members, etc.) for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments and coordinating services to meet the needs of specific students.
- Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and recommending research-based actions.
- Participates on building intervention teams for the purpose of discussing appropriate actions for at-risk students.
- Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. assessment reports, correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, required documentation, Psych Ed Summary, Psych Report, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
- Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
- Supervises interns, practicum students and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: data-based decision making and accountability; interpersonal collaboration; effective use of cognitive behavioral intervention strategies; crisis intervention; applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: psychology and educational principles; ethical guidelines; familiarity with mental health diagnostic criteria; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; and maintaining effective working relationships.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.
Education: Masters degree in job-related area.
Equivalency:
Required Testing:
Certificates and Licenses: Missouri School Psychologist Certificate/Missouri License for Licensed Professional Counselor
Continuing Educ. / Training: Maintain Certificate/License
Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
FLSA Status: Exempt
Approval Date:
Salary Grade: Certificated
The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees may be enhanced.
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