Summary:
The School Psychologist serves as a primary source for the assessment of cognitive abilities, achievement, social and emotional functioning, personality and developmental status for students. An essential role of the school psychologist is to synthesize information and translate it for adults who are responsible for promoting healthy growth and development and academic support to children within the school setting. The school psychologist collaborates with all stakeholders involved in the development of the students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Employee's primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Know effective instructional processes
Understand classroom and school environments
Understand the organization and operation of schools and agencies
Adhere to the rules and regulations of IDEA, MARSE and the OCR
Follow the special education eligibility guidance provided by the local ISD (Wayne RESA)
Apply principles of learning to the development of competence both within and outside school
Consult with educators and other professionals regarding cognitive, affective, social and behavioral performance
Assess developmental needs and develop educational environments that meet those diverse needs
Coordinate educational, psychological and behavioral health services by working at the interface of these systems
Assist families who request diagnostic evaluations of learning disabilities and social problems and assistance with academic and behavioral problems
Collaborate with teachers, parents and other adults to enhance their ability to provide healthy relationships and environments that promote learning and development
Develop relationships with organizations and agencies to promote contexts that are conducive to learning and development
Awareness of chronic or acute situations of childhood and adolescence that influence learning or mental health, such as personal or school crises or mental disorders first noticed in infancy, childhood or adolescence
Understand adverse social conditions that threaten healthy development in school and community, such as community and school violence, juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse
Understand problems of instructional and learning environments that affect the functioning of the school age population
Provide assessment of cognitive abilities, achievement, social and emotional functioning, personality and developmental status that is reliable and valid
Make use of interviews, observations and performance assessments to understand learning and behavior problems
Provide diagnostic assessments to support eligibility for and delivery of services within statutorily regulated contexts that integrate diagnostic information from other professionals to support recommendations for educational modifications and community services
Recommend prevention programs to assist students who have mild or transitory problems that interfere with school performance, such as poor peer relationships, learning or behavior problems in the classroom, and adjustment to adoption, death or divorce
Assist with crisis intervention services that support children following natural disasters, violence, abuse, death or suicide by a student
Consult with teachers, parents, administrators school staff concerning children's behavior and academic and social problems
Assist with professional development programs for teachers
Assist with the analysis of academic achievement using standardized tests, performance assessments, and other appropriate methods
Perform other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
Masters' degree in the field of school psychology
Valid Michigan Certification in Psychology