School Psychologist

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Itinerant involving travel to multiple classrooms and programs
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The School Psychologist reports to the Special Education Program Supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement.
JOB DEFINITION: The School Psychologist is responsible for the evaluation of students referred by local education agencies as thought-to-be exceptional students and to participate in the reevaluation process as required by state and federal special education laws. This position provides consultation for Early Intervention, Equitable Participation and public school and CSIU #16 personnel, parents / guardians / surrogates and agencies. The School Psychologist participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team. The School Psychologist promotes the understanding of developmental expectations of students to increase learning and achievement, appropriate behavior and social functioning. The School Psychologist also provides consultation and direct services to at-risk and/or identified students requiring prevention and/or crisis intervention services. Relative to the position, the School Psychologist participates in various teams and activities as needed and/or requested.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assessment of Children:

1. Collect and interpret student-relevant data.
2. Interview parents and staff as appropriate.
3. Observe children in relevant settings.
4. Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations using formal, informal, and observation methods of data collection and assessment.
5. Analyze and interpret all data collected; organize and generate comprehensive written report.
6. Present and interpret evaluation reports and recommendations to parents and staff.

1. Consultation

1. Assist staff and parents in the development and maintenance of educational / behavioral programs for children
2. Work in collaboration with other educators and providers to deal with crisis situations and/or to address specific problems or issues such as bullying, school climate, drug use and abuse, behavior support, etc.
3. Participate as a member of the MDE and IEP teams to determine programs for eligible young children, as needed.
4. Function as a member of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team to develop and/or revise the IEP, develop and/or revise a Positive Behavior Support Plan, to do a Manifestation Determination review, to assist with discipline reviews, etc.
5. Provide consultative services to district and/or CSIU personnel, families, and agencies.

1. Consults with teachers, other school staff, and parents about ways to facilitate learning and adjustment for individual or groups of students.
2. Work with the school personnel to accomplish identified program goals and objectives.

1. Compliance

1. Comply with Federal, State and Local regulations, guidelines and policies
2. Comply with the National Association of School Psychologists Principles for Professional Ethics.
3. Accurately completes all required paperwork (ACCESS billing, reports, etc.) within the designated timelines.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITEITES: Performs other services or duties as may be assigned by the program supervisor or designee..
EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• A Master's degree is required.
• A valid Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) 1875-School Psychologist PK-12 certificate pursuant to PDE CSPG 81 School Psychologist PK-12.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience working with preschool and/or school age children.
• Previous experiences with public speaking and presentation preferred.
• Experience in assessment of young children and presenting to groups required.
• Thorough knowledge regarding current and relevant assessment instruments and procedures, including of National Association of School Psychologist guidelines for best practices.
• Advanced skill in administering, scoring and interpreting test results.
• Advanced writing skills, particularly in report writing preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written and communications skills are necessary to properly maintain open channels of communication with agencies, school districts, parents, members of higher education institutions, etc.
• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a responsible and professional manner.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

1. Attend trainings to keep abreast of current trends, best practices regarding instruction and research to ensure quality special education programs and related services.
2. Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, participate in local and state training that is pertinent to their job assignment and participate in Bureau of Special Education Initiatives, Bureau of Early Intervention Services, and CSIU sponsored activities
3. Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods.
4. Maintain certification in Safety Care.

PHYSICAL SKILLS

• Perform light physical education activities with the students including, bending, light exercise, throwing, hitting a ball, etc.
• Navigate the hallways (which may be filled with students) quickly in the event of an altercation.
• The ability to physically separate fighting students, implementing fully all components of Safe Crisis Management.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Must have transportation to work locations; and be able to travel and arrive at various locations on schedule over a wide geographic area.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a full time exempt position following a 188 day, 7.5 hours per day work schedule which, at times could include some evening work; five days/week.
2. Overnight travel to attend and provide seminars and workshops.
3. May include evening meetings and overnight travel to attend and provide seminars and workshops
4. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; the immediate supervisor must approve any and all absences.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.