School Psychologist

JOB TITLE: School Psychologist

REPORTS TO: Coordinator of School Psychological Services

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

OVERVIEW:

The School Psychologist provides comprehensive school psychological services to students in elementary, junior high and high schools. This position is under the direction of the Coordinator of School Psychological Services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• School Psychologist Certification by Arizona Department of Education or Psychologist License by Arizona State Board of Psychologist Examiners
• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card
• Demonstrate knowledge of federal, state, and local rules, regulations, and laws

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Evaluator of Individual Students

• Follow professional best practices and district procedures in identification, evaluation, and placement of potential special education students and re-evaluation of students previously found eligible for special education services

Consultant Regarding Educational and Mental Health Needs of Students

• Emphasize application of psychological and mental health principles in the school setting
• Assist school staff in understanding and using group measurement data
• Encourage the use of data-based decision making and research-based interventions
• Assist school staff to analyze student behavior and provide positive behavioral supports
• Assist in understanding of student differences and individual student needs
• Encourage and assist in the development of programs to provide special education help needed by students
• Assist teachers in the development of appropriate classroom interventions for instructional, behavioral, and mental health needs of students

Member of School/District Staff

• Contribute to the objectives of the school
• Suggest desirable organizational systems to administrators
• Serve on district committees, as appropriate
• Assist with research to evaluate and improve learning, as requested

Counselor

• Provide social skills training, counseling, and/or behavioral coaching as indicated in a student’s IEP or 504 plan limited individual and group counseling for students, if time permits

Liaison between the School and Community

• Work with community agencies to coordinate students’ educational needs
• Assist in school/community problem resolution, as requested
• Encourage improved community service for all children and youth
• Communicate effectively with families and involve families in making decisions regarding their children’s educational needs

Member of the Profession

• Continue professional growth
• Share professional knowledge with colleagues
• Follow ethical code of the National Association of School Psychologists
• School psychologists who are licensed by the State Board of Psychologist Examiners are also subject to the ethical codes of that body and of the American Psychological Association

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.