School Psychologist

Woonsocket Education Department • Woonsocket, RI

1d

About The Position

The School Psychologist conducts psychological evaluations and provides consultation and behavioral support services to students, school staff, families, and IEP teams. The role supports the special education process by interpreting assessment results, helping teams understand the impact of disabilities on learning, and contributing to appropriate accommodations, modifications, and services. The School Psychologist also provides short-term crisis or acute counseling and intervention in special circumstances at the request of the Principal or Special Education Director.

The position requires compliance with Rhode Island and federal special education requirements, including IEP procedures, documentation, and mandated timelines. The School Psychologist participates in district and building meetings, professional development, and continuing education, and uses evidence-based research, professional standards, and ethical practices to guide work and continually improve practice. Other duties may be assigned by the Director of Special Education or designee.

Requirements

• RIDE teacher certification as a School Psychologist.
• Master’s degree or higher from a school psychology program accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.
• Experience with special education processes, including IEP meetings, documentation, and initial evaluations.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures that guide psychological practice in schools.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial, three-year, extended, and other indicated psychological evaluations within mandated timeframes.
• Coordinate behavioral support services across the district or school, including conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), developing or assisting with behavior support plans, and supporting staff in implementing strategies and collecting data.
• Provide evaluation results and reports to the Team Chair in advance of IEP meetings.
• Participate in IEP team meetings by presenting and interpreting psychological evaluation results, summarizing key findings, and making recommendations.
• Help IEP teams understand the impact of a disability on learning.
• Collaborate with IEP team members to ensure appropriate documentation is completed at each IEP meeting.
• Provide information regarding accommodations and modifications, and help identify educationally relevant and required services.
• Adhere to entrance and exit criteria for programs and services.
• Communicate with Team Chairs and Principals regarding concerns or questions.
• Comply with Rhode Island special education IEP processes, including IEP and related-document development and completion of required paperwork and activities under state and federal regulations.
• Attend and participate in district-wide professional development as directed by the Special Education Director or Superintendent.
• Schedule and participate in district RTI meetings.
• Participate in Special Education Department and building meetings when requested.
• Consult with Principals, faculty, specialized programs, general and special educators, related service providers, and parents regarding student support, management, and other needs.
• Provide crisis or acute short-term counseling and intervention for students in special circumstances at the request of the Principal or Special Education Director.
• Communicate with the Special Education Department, Building Principals, parents, and outside agencies regarding assessments.
• Follow district, department, and building initiatives, directives, and procedures, and comply with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, and local procedures.
• Participate in continuing education to maintain best practices and meet Rhode Island licensure requirements.
• Use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education to inform practice decisions.
• Use professional codes of ethics and standards of practice to guide ethical decision-making.
• Use practices that support students in demonstrating respect for differences.
• Reflect regularly on practice, individually and with colleagues.
• Seek and apply ideas for improving practice from supervisors, colleagues, and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or designee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time