School Psychologist

Location: Special Education TBD

FTE: .40

Interim Position

Start Date: 12/9/2024

 

Purpose Statement

The job of School Psychologist is done for the purpose/s of measuring and interpreting the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children; interpreting results of psychological studies; interpreting and applying state and federal codes; and developing strategies and interventions to address the special education needs of eligible students. 

 

Essential Functions

Administers standardized and/or supplemental assessments for the purpose of measuring the intellectual, adaptive, academic, social and emotional development of children and/or determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

Assesses students’ functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student’s functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement.

 

Communicates with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.

 

Compiles information from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers, nurse, probation officer, mental health agencies, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of producing a comprehensive evaluation report in compliance with established guidelines.

 

Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.

 

Coordinates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service and mental health services for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments, etc. to meet the needs of specific students.

 

Counsels students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.

 

Develops behavior plans, curriculum modifications, etc. for the purpose of implementing treatment programs. 

 

Facilitates meetings, processes, etc. for the purpose of meeting curriculum guidelines and/or ensuring that state mandates are achieved.

 

Implements school wide program development and program evaluation (e.g. crisis intervention services, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective programs to assist children who experience physical, mental, social or emotional difficulties.

 

Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.

 

Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned (e.g. threat assessment, student intervention, student success, crisis, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

 

Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. extension requests, correspondence, memos, behavior plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, Psych Ed Summary, Psych Report, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

 

Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students’ functional goals.

 

Supervises interns, practicum students and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school’s curriculum.

 

Other Functions:

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

 

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

 

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.   Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  psychology and educational principles; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

 

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.   Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.  Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment.  Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited.  Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; and maintaining effective working relationships.

 

Responsibility

Responsibilities include:  working under direct supervision using standardized routines; providing information and/or advising others; utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job’s functions.   There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

 

 

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands; some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. And significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking and 20% standing.   This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

 

Experience:   Job related experience is required.

Education:    High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: 

 

Required Testing:                    Certificates and Licenses:

                                           ADE School Psychologist Certification

                                           Graduate degree from NASP-Approved School

                                              Psychology program preferred

                                           Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

                                           BCBA Certification preferred

                                           School psychologist experience in a public school

                                             system preferred

 

Continuing Educ./ Training:             Clearances:

                                           Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

                                           Background Clearance           

FLSA Status - Exempt

 

Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.