School Psychologist

 School Psychologist

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required

Education: Master’s Degree in job-related area

Certificates/License: KSDE Approved Licensure

Status: School Year Term – Benefit Eligible

Salary: Determined by qualifications and experience

Location: Special Services Cooperative of Wamego #724 

Report to: Director of Special Education 

FSLA Classification: Exempt

Purpose Statement

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose(s) of supporting the instructional program with specific responsibilities for measuring and interpreting the intellectual- adaptive- academic- social-emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological evaluations; interpreting and applying state and federal codes; and developing strategies and interventions to address the special education needs of eligible students.

Essential Functions

• Administers standardized and supplemental assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual- adaptive- academic- social-emotional development of children and determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Assesses student`s functional capabilities for the purpose of determining student`s functional level and developing recommendations and placement.

• Collaborates with internal and external personnel (e.g. gifted services- foster care- etc.) for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services.

• Communicates with students- parents- teachers- and other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations- solving problems- and resolving conflicts.

• Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers- nurses- mental health agencies- other professionals; maintains student files for caseload- etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.

• Consults with teachers- parents- other personnel- and outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information- developing plans for services- and making recommendations.

• Coordinates assigned activities (e.g. IEP meetings- manifestation meetings- evaluations- etc.) for the purpose of completing activities in a timely manner and in accordance with legal requirements.

• Counsels students- parents- and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.

• Facilitates meetings- processes- etc. (e.g. evaluations- IEPs- etc.) for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and ensuring that state and federal mandates are achieved.

• Participates in meetings- workshops- clinics- and seminars as assigned (e.g. general education intervention meetings- birth to three clinics- etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

• Prepares a wide variety of complex written materials (e.g. extension requests- correspondence- behavior plans- medicaid billings- reports- required documentation- etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities- providing written reference- and conveying information.

• Research 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 student`s functional goals.

• Serves as a Case Coordinator for the purpose of ensuring each student is receiving services and all IEPs are in compliance.

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 single- 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: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; preparing and maintaining accurate records; writing professional documents; facilitating meetings; working with numbers; and problem solving.

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; pertinent codes- policies- regulations- and laws; stages of child development; assessment techniques; and learning strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule 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 significant. 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; displaying patience; 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 some 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: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds- some pushing- and/or pulling- some stooping- kneeling- crouching- and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting- 15% walking- and 5% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

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