Salary: Paid for years experience and education level according to the teacher salary schedule. Will also receive 6% of our base salary as a supplemental salary and pay for 4 extra contract days.
Reports to: Special Education Director/Building Principal
Purpose and Objectives of the Position: The School Psychologist will perform professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for special education students. To accomplish these tasks the school psychologist will assess the psychological and psycho/educational needs of students referred to special education services.
Administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to district, state and federal regulations.
Score and interpret test data according to best practices in the field of school psychology.
Develop psychological evaluation reports, and provide or facilitate the completion of functional behavioral assessment and behavior intervention plans.
Conduct or participate in the General Education Intervention (GEI) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Program (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students at assigned buildings.
II. Consultation:
Support and assist building or district crisis team as requested.
Complete suicide assessments.
Participate on building or district committees as requested.
Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of student educational needs.
Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
Consult with psychologists, psychiatrist, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
III. Program Management:
Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
Comply with policies established by Federal and State law, State Board of Education Procedures, and local Board policies.
Comply with all district and local building routines and regulations.
Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
IV. Communication:
Maintain documentation of students served and service provided.
Submit reports and communicate information to the Director of Special Education.
Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
V. Counseling: (Counseling responsibilities may be assigned)
Develop a program of counseling for each eligible student in accordance with his/her IEP goals and objectives.
Utilize research-based, effective counseling techniques that reflect current approaches and best practices in the field of school psychology.
Develop and maintain a schedule of counseling services in accordance with the GEI and IEP committee recommendations.
Maintain records of counseling contact via counseling notes and weekly logs.
Monitor students progress in counseling via teacher observations/reports, parent conferences, and personal assessment of students progress.
Report students progress toward counseling IEP goals and objectives through written progress reports and attendance at IEP meetings.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Working Conditions:
May provide supervision to practicum students.
Requires district-wide travel to multiple building locations as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Valid Kansas license as a Licensed School Psychologist.
Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning for educational purposes.
Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions.
Knowledge of biopsychosocial development.
Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Computers (desktops/laptops), copy machines, fax machines and other office equipment.
Ability to observe and follow all school district policies at all times.
Ability to react to change and frequent interruptions in a productive and positive manner, meeting deadlines as assigned while maintaining emotional control under stress
Ability to implement and follow all district health and safety policies, including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
Must verify good health by passing a physical examination that includes TB and drug test as required.
Other duties as assigned by Special Education Director/Building Principal.
Desire to continue career improvement by enhancing skills and job performance.
Ability to keep student and personnel information and records confidential.
Terms of Employment: # of days. Salary to be established by the Board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the USD 450 Board of Educations policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel and this job description.
Shawnee Heights U.S.D. 450 is a Class 5A suburban school district located between the two major population centers of Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas.
The district has a student population of approximately 3500 students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Four elementary schools, a 7/8 middle school and a 9-12 high school comprise the attendance centers of the district.
Shawnee Heights has an ideal location, 8 miles from downtown Topeka, 16 miles from Lawrence, 50 miles from Kansas City, 62 miles from Manhattan and 50 miles from Emporia.
Over 55% of the faculty in the Shawnee Heights district hold a Masters degree or beyond in Education.
The district is noted for its dedication to students, staff, and the community, and its focus for providing a comprehensive program of instruction to meet the varied needs of all students.
