School Psychologist District-Wide 2026-27 School Year (Position to begin on January 4, 2027)

Capistrano Unified School District•San Juan Capistrano, CA

About The Position

Under direction, the School Psychologist evaluates the needs of students in an educational setting and conducts psychoeducational assessments to determine appropriate programs and instructional approaches. The role supports students in addressing social, emotional, and academic concerns and provides expertise on behavior management, learning strategies, and welfare and attendance issues. The position may also perform related duties as directed. The School Psychologist works with students, families, school and District personnel, and community agencies. The role includes assessment, counseling, consultation, support for individualized education plans, and participation in planning and monitoring services for students with exceptional needs.

Requirements

Current California credential authorizing Pupil Personnel Services: School Psychology.
Master of Arts degree or higher in psychology, counseling and guidance, or a closely related field, or equivalent completion.
One year of successful psychologist experience, with an emphasis in special education assessment, consultation with staff and parents, and student counseling.
Knowledge of educational, social, and emotional adjustment assessment principles, methods, techniques, strategies, and trends.
Knowledge of appropriate psychological and achievement appraisal instruments, techniques, and procedures.
Knowledge of local and metropolitan social service and youth service agencies; social, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of preschool- and school-age students; evaluation and research methods; and curriculum and instructional programs beneficial to students with special learning needs.
Ability to assess students and help them analyze and develop alternative solutions to behavioral, educational, social, and emotional concerns.
Ability to conduct, analyze, and use individual and group counseling techniques appropriate for students with significant learning, behavioral, and emotional needs.
Ability to work effectively with school and District personnel, parents, and social and youth service agencies to address student concerns.
Ability to participate effectively in planning and implementing individual educational and learning plans.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; understand and follow oral and written directions; establish and maintain organizational, public, and community relationships; and comply with District customer service standards.
Submit a resume, a printout of the California School Psychology credential showing its Document Number from ctc.ca.gov, and three letters of recommendation with the online application.

Nice To Haves

Classroom teaching or counseling experience at the elementary or secondary school level is desirable.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual and group psychoeducational assessments and diagnose specific learning, emotional, and behavioral disabilities.
Prepare recommendations for student remediation, placement in special programs, and psychoeducational interventions.
Consult and confer with instructional and administrative personnel to develop and implement methods that facilitate learning and address learning and behavioral disorders.
Participate in parent conferences and pupil evaluation reviews, and provide profiles of students’ learning strengths and weaknesses.
Serve on student study teams and collaborate in planning special programs and selecting remedial instructional materials for students with special needs.
Consult with parents to support their understanding of their child’s learning and emotional adjustment.
Counsel students individually and in small groups using a variety of data-gathering and therapy techniques.
Provide information and assistance to site and District personnel and school community members concerning youth services.
Liaise between schools and mental health and juvenile agencies, including referral follow-up.
Assist in developing and monitoring individual education plans for students with exceptional needs.
May conduct evaluation and research to determine the effectiveness of the school psychological service program.
Assist in identifying school psychological service needs.
Plan and present management-related reports on school psychological service functions and activities as requested.