School Psychologist

MANCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: School Psychologist CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: Provisional/Professional Educator Certificate in School Psychology REPORTS TO: Principal(s)/Assistant Principal(s) of individual school programs Special Education Supervisor Director of Pupil Personnel Services RESPONSIBILITIES: The school psychologist's responsibility is to provide psycho-educational services and consultation that promotes academic and social learning. The school psychologist provides these services primarily through consultation, assessment, and intervention. The school psychologist consults with students, parents, and school staff regarding programming for students, provides school staff with information about intervention procedures, and consults on an ongoing basis regarding students receiving special education services. The school psychologist also provides consultation as a permanent member of the Planning & Placement Team (PPT). The school psychologist's primary responsibility is to provide assessment of students, which involves: interpreting standardized test results for diagnostic purposes and educational planning; using evaluation instruments to obtain information; monitoring students' progress and evaluating effectiveness of instruction and corrective action; using formal and informal instruments required by PPT; writing psycho-educational reports and providing copies to parents at the PPT meeting; reviewing test results with students/parents/school staff; conducting classroom observations; and analyzing data from outside agencies. The school psychologist also provides individual and group counseling, behavior management consultation, and collaboration in the development of individual education plans, and serves as a liaison coordinator between school, student, parents, and outside services. To fulfill these responsibilities, the school psychologist accomplishes the following: I. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF: Student s School psychologists understand the impact of stress, disability, disease, and deprivation (including neglect and abuse) to human behavior. School psychologists understand human growth and development (physical, social, emotional, intellectual) as it relates to learning. School psychologists are knowledgeable about family relationships and varying lifestyles and their impact on child development. School psychologists recognize and understand the worth of all students.

• 38- Content School psychologists are proficient in written, oral, and nonverbal communication skills. School psychologists demonstrate accurate and up-to-date knowledge of theory and practice of psychology and the role, function, and practice of school psychology in education. School psychologists have the ability to critically examine new information in school psychology and related fields. School psychologists understand how school psychology meets the needs of students with disabilities, including the school psychologist role and function at PPT meetings. School psychologists demonstrate the theory and practice of individual, group, and family process and of systems dynamics. School psychologists use their knowledge to develop learning opportunities or therapeutic interventions that support students' development, acquisition of knowledge, decision-making, motivation to learn, and strategies for remediation and skill development. Pedagog y School psychologists recognize the need for a variety of service delivery methods and models. School psychologists recognize the need for and demonstrate the selection of a variety of materials appropriate to the social, emotional, and educational developmental needs of individual students. School psychologists appropriately select and use informal and formal assessment techniques. School psychologists collect, disseminate, and use information that is relevant to the needs and developmental level of the students. __ II. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS APPLY THIS KNOWLEDGE BY: Planning School psychologists plan and prepare for sessions/evaluations in advance. School psychologists identify and sequence goals and objectives for interventions. School psychologists plan programs and interventions to achieve established/selected goals and objectives. School psychologists make appropriate referrals to staff, programs, and members of the community. School psychologists meet professional responsibilities by organizing time, space, materials, and equipment. School psychologists make an appropriate effort to maintain schedules, routines, and procedures that reflect established priorities.
• 39- Instructin g School psychologists establish rapport with students, families, and educational staff. School psychologists demonstrate skill in managing behaviors of students individually and in groups. School psychologists promote a positive learning environment. School psychologists use an appropriate range of interventions, matching approaches and methods with the needs of students. School psychologists help students develop positive self-concepts, sensitivity to and respect for the needs, feelings, and diversity of others. School psychologists facilitate the development of student independence by developing thinking skills, problem-solving skills, self-evaluation skills, and self- discipline, and responsibility for one's own behavior. School psychologists promote students' ability to communicate effectively with others. School psychologists implement individual, group, and family counseling as well as behavior strategies. School psychologists communicate directions, explanations, and expectations in a clear manner. School psychologists effectively implement programs and interventions to achieve established/selected goals and objectives. School psychologists assist parents to understand factors that interfere with their child's learning and engage parents in the educational process and the students' psychosocial development. Assessing and Adjusting School psychologists effectively assess (diagnose) student needs, including use of knowledge of human growth and development (physical, social, emotional, intellectual) as it relates to learning. School psychologists administer, score, and interpret measurements, inventories, and evaluations that are both formal and informal in nature. They provide written copies of their assessment to parents at PPT meetings. School psychologists demonstrate the ability to observe and interpret the behavior of students. School psychologists demonstrate the ability to systematically observe students in multiple settings. School psychologists include parent, school staff, and appropriate community service providers in the assessment and planning process. School psychologists obtain and use information about students from available records. School psychologists monitor the effectiveness and outcomes of interventions and progress toward student goals. Technology School psychologists use technology effectively as a management tool.
• 40- School psychologists incorporate technology as appropriate into instructions/interventions. ____ III. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH: Professional and Ethical Practice School psychologists conduct themselves as professionals in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers (Section 10-145d-400a of the Connecticut Certification Regulations) and in accordance with the National Association of School Psychologists Code of Ethics. School psychologists follow the policies, procedures, and curricula of the school district. School psychologists understand and protect due process rights and confidentiality of students, parents, and staff. School psychologists provide services in accord with principles of professional ethics and legal requirements. School psychologists work collaboratively with school administrators, colleagues, and families to encourage students to take responsibility for their own behavior and learning. Reflection and Continuous Learning School psychologists demonstrate responsibility for self-evaluation, self-growth, and professional involvement. Leadership and Collaboration School psychologists work cooperatively and collaboratively with colleagues, administrators, and members of the community in areas such as creating a positive school culture and evaluating and seeking ways to better meet the needs of all students. School psychologists encourage and help facilitate cooperative involvement and support of parents and the community. School psychologists facilitate communication between home and school. School psychologists maintain a liaison role, as appropriate, with community service providers and other personnel. School psychologists work effectively as members of interdisciplinary teams. ___ IV. ORGANIZATIONAL TASKS School psychologists keep necessary records and makes needed reports for the benefit of students and as required by state and federal governments. 9/0 9
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