TITLE: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
QUALIFICATIONS: Hold a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university. Hold a valid New Jersey School Psychologist certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. 6:11.12 and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq. Certified by the State Board of Examiners in the State of New Jersey
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services
JOB GOALS: The School Psychologist provides a full range of psychological services for students. Responsibilities include serving as a member of the Child Study Team, conducting psychological examinations and educational evaluations to determine the learning needs of students, providing leadership in promoting an understanding of positive mental health and the needs of children, consulting with the instructional staff in adjusting programs and experiences to enhance learning of the Core Curriculum Content Standards, counseling individuals and groups, and working with all whose responsibilities focus on the educational, social, and emotional wellbeing of children.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Understanding of child growth and development, learning assessment and diagnosis, psychological research related to learning, and group and individual therapy strategies.
- Knowledge of current rules and regulations regarding Child Study Teams and special education assessments and program requirements.
- Successfully completes required criminal history check and has proof of U.S. citizenship, or legal resident alien status.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serves as a member of the Child Study Team, adhering to New Jersey school law, Federal regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, and contractual obligations.
- Provide psychological services as a member of the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) in the assessment of, educational planning for, monitoring of, and reevaluation of students in need of special services, in accordance with all applicable federal, State and local codes and regulations.
- Use observation and various assessment techniques as a certified school psychologist to make psychological diagnostic evaluations of individual students in terms of social, emotional and intellectual development in order to identify and diagnose learning strengths, difficulties and adjustment problems which manifest themselves in the school setting (N.J.A.C. 6:28-3.4 et seq.)
- Share findings in writing and orally with appropriate staff and family so that effective interventions and programs are provided.
- Prepare with other Child Study Team members, teachers, and parents, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each identified student. Monitor the IEP implementation, and participate in the annual reviews.
- Act as case manager to special education pupils.
- Serve as a consultant to building principals for corrective procedures of special education students.
- Administer psychological and psycho-educational evaluations for as to the needs and requirements of the Child Study Team.
- Ensure that the instructional program for the identified student addresses the Core Curriculum Content Standards and any modifications or accommodations.
- Also, ensure that the IEP clearly specifies the performance levels in the Standards at which the student is expected to demonstrate competency (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.7 et seq.)
- Assist with group testing programs for measuring the aptitudes, achievements, interests, and social-personal development of students, and assist the instructional staff in interpretation of the findings so that programs are developed or modified to meet the needs of students.
- Provide counseling in individual and group settings for students, parents, and personnel who work with the student(s). Assist students with learning to take responsibility for behavior and attitudes, developing problem-solving and decision-making skills to resolve conflict and crisis situations, and improving interpersonal relationships.
- Serve as a consultant to the Principal and instructional staff in matters concerning student assessment, measurements, evaluations, mental health factors and conditions, development, learning, behavior and teaching so that effective programs and experiences may be provided for all students.
- Monitor and determine whether the present educational program is the one best suited for a student's development and make appropriate recommendations for change where indicated.
- Serve as a liaison and coordinate services between the school and the mental health professional agencies and resources in the community.
- Maintain liaison with parents of classified students for the purposes of sharing information regarding educational planning and programming.
- Conduct and provide staff development sessions and educational programs for parents for district personnel to promote an understanding to increase competency in dealing with problems in learning, behavior, and adjustment.
- Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
- Maintains confidential records on all referred students and student/parent contacts in accordance with federal and state law, Board policy and the procedures of the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District board policy.
- Observe rigorously the code of ethics of the psychological profession to maintain thehighest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
- Provide thorough and timely reports, data, information, etc. as requested by the Director of Special Services.
- Other Assigned Duties: performs all other tasks and assumes such other duties as designated by the Director of Special Services and Superintendent.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Ten Months with up to 20 working days over the summer months.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with state law and the provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of certified staff by the Director, Child Study and Special Education Services.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Penns Grove- Carneys Point Regional Teacher Negotiated Agreement
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $65,390 - $99,775
BENEFITS PACKAGE INCLUDES: Medical, prescription, and optional dental insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Optional Disability Insurance (AFLAC, Prudential, and American General)
Pre-Tax Deduction Options
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)