School Psychologist

Gilroy Unified School District • Gilroy, CA

8h

About The Position

BASIC FUNCTION : The School Psychologist applies psycho-educational principles and knowledge in the assessment, classification, treatment, and education of children with school-related learning, social and emotional difficulties, or behavior issues. The School Psychologist provides consultation, case management, and program management to general and special education students. TYPICAL DUTIES : Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and appropriate agencies in the planning of educational, therapeutic, and behavioral programs; agency personnel may include private physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, probation officers, mental health professionals, and others as appropriate. Recommend appropriate educational and psychological remediation through the use of psychological tests. Interpret and analyze the assessment results with regard to the intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of pupils, and the implications of results for the instructional program. Prepare written assessment reports for each student evaluated. Prepare Functional Analysis Assessments or Functional Behavior Assessments as needed to prepare behavior intervention plans. Participate on Individual Educational Plan team reviews. Job Description – School Psychologist Conduct required re-evaluations on Special Education students. Make classroom observations. Provide parent education and support. Assist in establishing guidelines as mandated by federal and state programs, including IEP process and 504 accommodation plans. Attend/assist in coordination of schools site specific special education department meetings to review student and staff issues. Provide staff and program development to teachers and administrators regarding application of state and federal guidelines, classroom management, and instructional planning, to meet the specific needs of the pupil. Participate in the development of school services promoting positive mental health and effective environment for learning. Initiate referrals to Mental Health Services when needed. Assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of specific phases of educational programs. Serve as a resource person in such areas as guidance, curriculum, child development, and tests and measurements. Serve as a member of the Student Study Team. Attend staff and committee meetings and conferences when appropriate. Review current research and literature in psychology. Assist in planning research projects for the improvement of educational programs for children. Prepare and deliver oral and written reports, recommendations, and presentations to committees, parents, and others. Is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team that provides services for sudden illness, injury and emotional disturbances. OTHER RELATED DUTIES: Attend appropriate conferences, workshops, and meetings to keep informed of current practices and trends in education. Participate in community as liaison by speaking to parent and civic groups. Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Director – Student Services or Designee.

Requirements

• Knowledge of proper management and supervisory techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of program planning, development and evaluation methods
• Knowledge of behavior management and strategies
• Knowledge of appropriate teaching pedagogy
• Ability to maintain, interpret and analyze data
• Ability to direct, supervise and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups
• Ability to identify problems, define causes and develop solutions
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential – School Psychology
• Master’s degree
• Previous experience performing psychological services in a school environment
• State and federal laws, regulations and guidelines governing special education services
• Technology and computer software applications relative to requirements of position

Nice To Haves

• Successful experience as a school psychologist or in other area of psychology
• Successful experience as a classroom teacher
• Successful experience with developing behavior plans and modeling behavior strategies for others
• Previous experience working effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse groups
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English
• Successful experience in areas of conflict resolution
• Ability to use a consultative approach to resolving work related issues
• Knowledge or organization, operations, policies, and objectives of public education
• Visibility and involvement in education and the community
• Previous experience in leadership, coaching, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships
• Strategic and analytical thinking skills and the ability to apply deductive reasoning and draw conclusions in order to solve problems and facilitate decision-making processes
• Ability to continuously seek quality service and process improvements in order to support a mission and strategic vision

Responsibilities

• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and appropriate agencies in the planning of educational, therapeutic, and behavioral programs
• Recommend appropriate educational and psychological remediation through the use of psychological tests
• Interpret and analyze the assessment results with regard to the intellectual, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development of pupils, and the implications of results for the instructional program
• Prepare written assessment reports for each student evaluated
• Prepare Functional Analysis Assessments or Functional Behavior Assessments as needed to prepare behavior intervention plans
• Participate on Individual Educational Plan team reviews
• Conduct required re-evaluations on Special Education students
• Make classroom observations
• Provide parent education and support
• Assist in establishing guidelines as mandated by federal and state programs, including IEP process and 504 accommodation plans
• Attend/assist in coordination of schools site specific special education department meetings to review student and staff issues
• Provide staff and program development to teachers and administrators regarding application of state and federal guidelines, classroom management, and instructional planning, to meet the specific needs of the pupil
• Participate in the development of school services promoting positive mental health and effective environment for learning
• Initiate referrals to Mental Health Services when needed
• Assist in the evaluation of the effectiveness of specific phases of educational programs
• Serve as a resource person in such areas as guidance, curriculum, child development, and tests and measurements
• Serve as a member of the Student Study Team
• Attend staff and committee meetings and conferences when appropriate
• Review current research and literature in psychology
• Assist in planning research projects for the improvement of educational programs for children
• Prepare and deliver oral and written reports, recommendations, and presentations to committees, parents, and others
• Is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team that provides services for sudden illness, injury and emotional disturbances
• Attend appropriate conferences, workshops, and meetings to keep informed of current practices and trends in education
• Participate in community as liaison by speaking to parent and civic groups
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned by the Director – Student Services or Designee

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level