Psychologist - M.A. jobs in Springfield, OH

SIDNEY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Reports to: Director of Pupil Services

Job Objectives:

Provides school psychology services to help students achieve maximum benefit from the district’s educational programs and services. Works with colleagues to ensure the provision of all services mandated by state and Federal law. Identifies problems that arise from emotional health, academic performance, and/or the manner in which services are provided. Evaluates and recommends solutions best suited to meet the needs of students and their families. Actively encourages parental involvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Holds a valid State of Ohio school psychologist certificate/license.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Provides documented evidence of a clear criminal record.
• Demonstrates the ability to access community resources appropriate to the mental health needs of students.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

The following skills and duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Consults with district administrators regarding school psychology services. Evaluates the ability of the program to meet the needs of all students.
• Complies with the state model policies and procedures for the education of children with disabilities. Collaborates with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Monitors relevant legal mandates to maintain an awareness of compliance responsibilities. Helps with the development of educational evaluation and accountability procedures.
• Helps the multi-disciplinary team identify and assess students with suspected disabilities. Assists with the formulation and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for students meeting eligibility requirements.
• Participates in a differentiated referral system that allows staff and parents to request a multifactored evaluation and/or consultation for non-disabled students.
• Obtains student information using a variety of sources. Follows proper procedures to secure permission for the release of reports and records.
• Administers diagnostic tests. Evaluates student learning aptitudes, language skills, adaptive behaviors, social skills, emotional development, physical growth, motor development, and academic achievement. Interprets results to students, parents, and teachers. Recommends intervention strategies (e.g., individual, group, or family counseling, behavior modification programs, etc.).
• Helps parents and students understand academic and behavioral objectives.
• Provides educational programs to help parents understand and improve parenting skills (e.g., child growth and development, conflict mediation, peer relationships, self-esteem, at-risk behavior, substance abuse/prevention, etc.).
• Provides case management services to students participating in community programs (e.g., preschools, residential facilities, etc.).
• Works with district staff to carry out the kindergarten screening program.
• Strives to develop rapport with students, staff, parents, and the public. Responds to requests and complaints promptly and tactfully. Is receptive to constructive suggestions. Respects the personal confidences and privacy needs of individuals.
• Communicates high expectations for students. Helps students understand their personal responsibility for taking care of their mental health. Shows an active interest in their progress.
• Helps communicate school rules to students. Maintains high standards for student conduct. Upholds the student conduct code according to district policy. Protects the due process rights of students.
• Seeks and uses community resources that enhance mental health activities (e.g., parent volunteers, service groups, organizations, businesses, etc.).
• Organizes and maintains complete and accurate records, reports, and inventories, as required by law, district policy, or administrative directive. Submits all reports on time. Protects the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Ensures that clinical records prepared by secretarial staff are accurate and complete.
• Makes reasonable provisions to be available to parents for consultations when requested (e.g., telephone calls, conferences, etc.).
• Instructs teachers in the early identification of students mental health risks.
• Serves as a resource to teachers. Recommends classroom modifications, teaching techniques, instructional materials, behavioral modification strategies, and/or adaptive equipment that will enhance the educational process.
• Serves as a consultant to staff committees and team meetings (e.g., program planning/evaluations, crisis prevention/intervention, etc.).
• Provides mental health in-service programs as directed.
• Supports student progress with appropriate emotional development and interpersonal relationships.
• Maintains working relationships with community partnerships associated with students educational programs (e.g., vocational rehabilitation services, job training sites, employers, court systems, law enforcement, child welfare services, health facilities, etc.).
• Consults with district staff as needed to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Supports the efforts of guidance counselors, occupational/physical therapists, and other program support specialist.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment. Helps staff resolve problems related to the participation of students with disabilities in their peer group.
• Provides close supervision and takes reasonable precautions to ensure student safety. Does not leave students unsupervised.
• Shares in the responsibility for authorized committee work and school activities.
• Encourages parent organizations and supports student activities as time permits.
• Promotes the proper use and care of school property. Keeps track of school supplies and equipment assigned to students.
• Stores school psychology supplies and equipment at the end of the school year.
• Participates in staff meetings and in-service training.
• Pursues personal goals to improve future performance. Reviews literature and participates in a variety of activities to keep current with promising research and effective intervention strategies. Maintains licensure requirements.
• Serves as a role model for students. Demonstrates personal integrity, responsibility, impartiality, respect, and courtesy.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required:

• Demonstrates professionalism and exemplary personal conduct.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the professional code of ethics.
• Demonstrates leadership skills and advances the change process.
• Displays enthusiasm for education and the teaching profession.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Uses interpersonal skills to promote a favorable image of the school district.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets information. Formulates accurate conclusions. Carries out appropriate actions effectively.
• Expresses ideas effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Organizes and manages time effectively. Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions.
• Intervenes to avert problem situations and resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves school psychology supplies and equipment.
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., access and proximity to activities, use of adaptive equipment, etc.).
• Performs activities that may require stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Under the direction of the director of pupil services: schedules meaningful work assignments, provides instructions, and communicates expectations to assigned office staff, student interns, and volunteers.

Working Conditions:

Exposure to the following conditions may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable.

• Potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to student commotion.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require extended time using a computer terminal and keyboard.
• Duties may require considerable telephone contact and paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekend.

Performance Evalualtion:

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Sidney City School District Board of Education.

The Sidney City School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. The board requires that employees comply with the statutory responsibilities cited in the Ohio Revised Code, the rules and regulations of the Ohio Department of Education, and all local and Federal mandates. This job description does not imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed. This job description is subject to change in response to funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating procedures, productivity factors, and unforeseen events.