The school Psychologist is the person responsible for supporting scholars and staff through their expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior. They will apply their knowledge to help scholars succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. They are also responsible for building coordination of scholars with special education needs and provide evaluation services when required. It is the expectation that this individual will work with colleagues, parents, and scholars to create a school environment that is focused on scholar achievement, character and success beyond high school. We are a school where scholars and families are supported, while maintaining high expectations for all. The school Psychologist is expected to fully embrace the school’s methodology and uphold the high expectations of the school. The school Psychologist will support an equitable environment with rigorous instruction, joyous interactions, and strong community partnerships. Though it is impossible to list all roles the school Psychologist will fill, specific job responsibilities include:
Essential Functions:
- Conduct psychological assessments and interpret results for scholars and participate in IEP conferences, team meetings, and problem-solving meetings.
- Provide individual and group therapy per IEP requirements
- Monitor completion of case study evaluations and participate in IEP conferences and problem solving meetings
- Lead crisis intervention efforts and provide insight into the development of functional assessments and behavior intervention plans
- Participate on the MTSS team and provide ideas for interventions
- Integrate psychological services into the classroom environment as appropriate
- Provide assistance to staff in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions and accommodations for scholars
- Evaluate and/or translate research into practice and understand research design and statistics in sufficient depth to plan and conduct investigations and program evaluations for improvement of services
- Contribute to program development that furthers the integration of social, coping, and problem solving in the classroom
- Provide support services to parents/guardians as needed
- Coordinate and collaborate with a range of individuals/agencies to promote and provide comprehensive services to scholars and families
- Provide or assist in professional development for staff, parents, and/or community
- Participate in professional growth activities including certification for CPI
- Consult district and outside resource people regarding education, social, medical, and personal needs of scholars
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, scholars, principals, and teachers
- Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly
- Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for IEP requirements
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including medicaid billing if applicable
- Maintain confidentiality
Skills/Attributes:
- Strong people skills and leadership ability to develop a team environment
- Belief in maintaining the bar for educational equity for learners at every ability level
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting with high expectations
- Strong critical thinking skills and strategic problem solving skills
- An ability and passion to work with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
- A joyous attitude and drive for personal excellence
- Strong organizational skills and ability to adapt to change quickly and efficiently
- Interpersonal skills that encompass strong relationship building and communication
- Ability to use technology and data to drive toward exceptional outcomes for scholars
- Adaptability in working with various age groups ranging from kindergarten to high school
- Commitment to professional growth and personal development
Requirements:
Education
- Master’s degree in education
- Education Specialist and/or Doctorate
Experience
- Experience in a school setting, urban setting preferred
Licensing
- WI Pupil Services License
- Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification required annually before first day with scholars