School Psychologist - Temporary (62731)

SUMMARY:

The School Psychologist supports students’ academic, social, and emotional growth by conducting evaluations, writing comprehensive reports, completing observations, supporting the educational team, assisting with educational needs of students, and facilitating professional development in an approved private school setting for children with multiple physical and intellectual disabilities. This role interprets behavioral data for individualized education plans (IEPs) and leads crisis intervention to foster a safe learning environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer and interpret functional academic achievement and social-emotional assessments and communicate with the educational team and parents regarding identified student needs.
• Participate in IEP team meetings.
• Provide leadership and advisement in planning, coordinating, implementing, supervising, and evaluating special education programming across the school.
• Review student records and analyze information pertinent to student learning and school adjustment needs to create an appropriate plan for the student.
• Select, administer, score, and analyze individual tests of intelligence, academic achievement, psychological processing, and personality and attitudes to referred students.
• Conduct informal and formal observations of students as part of the evaluation process.
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary team to determine classifications that align with IDEA and support the recommended educational program for the individual student.
• Draft re -evaluation reports and contribute summary information to the IEP.
• Determine need for additional academic and/or social emotional support. 
• Consult with Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and behavior team regarding Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
• Provide consultation services and resources for teachers, para educators, and related service providers and provide related training.
• Conduct activities in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Psychology Association Code of Ethics.
• Determine professional development goals that support special education students’ access to their school community.
• Support the planning and implementation of special education initiatives. Integrate new developments, research findings and best practices into ongoing programs and new initiatives.
• Keep informed of legal requirements governing special education issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills Requirements

• Master’s degree, Specialist degree (EdS), or Doctoral degree in School Psychology with current valid licensure in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification as a School Psychologist.
• PDE certification in Special Education preferred.
• Three (3) years’ teaching experience in special education.
• Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs designed for students with learning, physical and behavioral disabilities.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care approaches counseling and support.
• Demonstrated knowledge of reading assessments and adapted curriculums to support individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical and psychosocial issues related to individuals with learning, developmental, and/or emotional disabilities.
• Demonstrated strong understanding of special education law and codes, ability to write comprehensive and legally defensible IEPs, ability to assist with implementation of intervention strategies, accommodations, and modifications of curriculum.
• Non-profit human services experience preferred.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with individuals living with multiple disabilities, including a strong understanding of the safety and communication support required for individuals with physical disabilities. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and effectively prioritize tasks.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated excellent judgment with the ability to independently solve problems and make decisions with little or no need for direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate changes and/or identify issues and take appropriate and effective actions.
• Excellent customer interaction, collaboration, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using electronic management/electronic records systems preferred.
• Must be able to perform CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention using agency-trained protocols.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license in the state of residence, have a minimum of three (3) years of driving experience within the United States, and have an acceptable driving record, which will be assessed through a review of the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record.