SY 25 -26 School Psychologist (2 positions)

Fitchburg School District•Fitchburg, MA

About The Position

The vision of each of the Fitchburg Public Schools is to provide learning experiences that engage all students in achieving high academic standards while developing intellectual rigor, creative interest, and social characteristics that prepare them for the challenges of living successfully and productively as citizens of this new century. The Clinical Interventionist/School Social Worker is responsible for delivering a high-quality instructional experience consistent with the curriculum standards of the school district. Essential duties for all faculty members include classroom instruction; conferences with students, parents, and colleagues; active participation in the work of the department on curriculum development, activities, and pedagogy.

Requirements

A Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education license in: School Psychologist - All levels
Knowledge of current education legislation/regulations
Ability to work effectively with teachers, support staff, and parents, and advocate for children to effectively problem solve
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and the ability to work with all stakeholders
Belief in the commitment to increasing personal growth, both academic and social-emotional, to obtain the highest level of achievement for every student.

Nice To Haves

SEI Endorsement preferred

Responsibilities

Complete comprehensive psycho-educational assessments following federal and state special education regulations and district policy in the following areas: cognitive, academic, social/emotional, behavioral, adaptive behavior, sensory/motor, and other factors pertinent to the child’s learning capacity
Interpret assessment findings to students, parents, staff, and others concerned with the welfare of students
Assist in the identification of students who are at risk of educational failure
Participate in school-based pre-referral activities
Assist in designing programs for children identified as at risk for failure.
Assist in school-wide initiatives to make schools safer and conducive to learning
Provide teachers and other professionals with consultation services that will assist them in helping each student reach their potential in the least restrictive educational environment
Conduct classroom screening to assist teachers in planning effective educational strategies for all students
Assist in the planning and implementation of behavior management programs and behavioral support plans
Provide crisis counseling and intervention
Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, social, and developmental concerns
Participate in a variety of school-based teams to assist in intervention planning and program planning (Crisis Team, solution-seeking team, SCAN Team, 504 Team, Special Education Team, and Re-Entry Team)
Provide in-service opportunities for staff.
Participate in district-wide or departmental in-service activities to maintain currency in knowledge and skills.
Participate in school-based or district-wide initiatives addressing student, school, or district needs
Work cooperatively with all school staff to enhance the services offered to all students in the school system
Follow professional practices consistent with the district's policies in working with students, parents, and colleagues
Attend and participate in faculty meetings and other assigned meetings and activities according to school policy
Maintain and improve professional competence through attendance at professional development events, and by self-generated activities that meet district expectations and the requirements for recertification
Assist administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct, and, for the classroom, develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure, maintaining order in the classroom in a fair and just manner
Strive to maintain and improve professional competence, especially as relates to the specific assignment and student grade and subject area appropriateness
Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students, colleagues, and parents concerning both the broad academic and behavioral progress of assigned students
Promote equity and appreciation of diversity to ensure equitable opportunities for student learning, including implementing specific strategies for students with special needs, with 504 plans and/or English Learners
Performs other related duties as assigned by the building Principal, SPSA, and Asst. Director of Special and Director of Special Education.