School Psychologist or School Social Worker

Great Prairie AEA•Ottumwa, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Great Prairie Area Education Agency has an opening for a School Psychologist or School Social Worker. This role involves partnering with educators, families, and communities to develop and promote an integrated educational system to ensure success for all learners. The position offers a prorated contract, potentially starting as early as January 2026 or for the 2026-2027 school year, with initial orientation days. The salary is based on the 2026-2027 Salary Schedule, which will be updated in 2026, and is determined by education and experience. The role serves multiple districts within Region 3, including Cardinal, Davis County, Moulton-Udell, Ottumwa, Ottumwa Christian, and Seton Catholic.

Requirements

Master's or Specialist's degree which includes 60 graduate semester hours in psychology and education (for School Psychologist).
Iowa license with school psychologist endorsement (B-21) (for School Psychologist).
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program (for School Social Worker).
Iowa Department of Public Health Social Work License (for School Social Worker).
Iowa School Social Work Endorsement OR Iowa Department of Education Statement of Professional Recognition (for School Social Worker).
Ability to ask system level questions.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret both school-wide and student-specific assessment data for instructional decision making.
Consult with teachers, administrators, and families in using effective research-based strategies to eliminate the achievement gap between general and special education students.
Be knowledgeable to support screening, diagnostic, and formative assessment within schools.
Ability to function effectively as a team member and work collaboratively with others and independently as appropriate.
Ability to conduct functional behavior assessments in order to develop effective interventions and supports.
Ability and willingness to be flexible and respond to the changing needs of clients and the Agency.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work.
Knowledge of applicable rules and laws that govern educational decisions (for School Social Worker).

Responsibilities

Supports school/community efforts to create positive learning environments for all students.
Serves as liaison among AEA, district building(s), families, and community.
Collaborates with various teams to assure positive outcomes for all learners.
Provides direct consultation to general and special education teachers related to academic and behavioral needs of students requiring specially designed instruction.
Complies with policies, procedures, standards, and rules in accordance with Federal and State law, the Iowa Department of Education, and GPAEA, including developing and maintaining required documentation and record keeping.
Participates in the development, implementation, and assessment of research-based instructional interventions and services.
Assists educators in the design and implementation of a full continuum of educational options to promote success for students requiring special education in the least restrictive setting.
Follows policies, procedures, standards, and rules in accordance with national and state laws, the Iowa Dept of Education, and GPAEA, including developing and maintaining proper and adequate records and documentation.
Actively partners with educational staff in defining a process to collect and consider data within the context of the individual's unique educational circumstance related to progress, discrepancy, and instructional needs.
Conducts, interprets, and implements, when appropriate, student assessment including record review, interview, observation, and tests (RIOT).
Conducts follow-up activities to review student progress and modify interventions as needed or requested.
Collaborates with the Regional Director and Instructional Service Consultants to support LEAs in improving academic performance for all students.
Assists teachers in the development of student goals that are aligned with core curriculum to guarantee high expectations for all learners.
Assumes other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Regional Director.
Participates in projects, committees, or activities to support the Agency's mission, goals, and priorities.
Demonstrates self-discipline and initiative to produce high-quality, organized, and dependable results.
Conveys a positive and professional image to staff and public.
Handles information in a confidential manner in accordance with established policies and legal requirements (FERPA, HIPAA, etc.).
Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with and influence educational directions.
Maintains a current knowledge of school social work practices and related areas of special education (for School Social Worker).
Provides appropriate services as specified on the IEP for those special education students found to be in need of assistance with social, emotional, and behavioral skills (for School Social Worker).
Participates as part of an interdisciplinary team in the Child Find Process to provide an effective, efficient, and economical means of identifying and serving children who require special education (for School Social Worker).