TITLE: School Psychologist
SUMMARY: The School Psychologist provides comprehensive psychological services to students, staff, and families within the Oxford Public Schools. This role includes the assessment, counseling, and support of students' mental health and educational development to promote academic success and overall well-being. Working collaboratively with educators, administrators, and families, the School Psychologist helps foster a safe, supportive learning environment aligned with best practices outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Massachusetts Association of School Psychologists (MASP). Reporting to the Director of Student Services and Special Education, the School Psychologist provides services for students ages preschool through 22 and actively participates in the development and implementation of IEPs. Responsibilities include delivering diagnostic, prescriptive, and remedial services through individual, group, and consultative models. Under the supervision of the Director, the School Psychologist ensures compliance with all federal and state regulations related to students with disabilities and serves as a resource for special education instruction and programming. The responsibilities outlined below are intended to provide a broad overview of the role and may evolve based on the needs of the district, as determined by the Superintendent of Schools.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are intended to outline the core responsibilities of the School Psychologist. Responsibilities are carried out in alignment with federal and state regulations, district procedures, and professional standards as outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Massachusetts Association of School Psychologists.
Evaluation, Eligibility, and IEP Development
Conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for all students referred by the district, including those attending public, private, and parochial schools, assessing cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral functioning in accordance with Massachusetts DESE requirements. Interpret evaluation data and prepare clear, legally defensible reports to inform eligibility determinations and educational planning. Participate in Team meetings (initial, re-evaluation, and annual) and contribute to the development of IEPs, behavior plans, and measurable goals. Ensure compliance with all evaluation timelines, documentation requirements, and district procedures. Conduct re-evaluations and provide follow-up consultation to monitor student progress and needs. Consultation and Problem-Solving Provide consultation to staff to support student access to the curriculum and participation in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Assist teams in identifying barriers to learning and implementing evidence-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions. Support MTSS/RTI frameworks as directed by district and building leadership. Conduct classroom observations and contribute to data-informed problem-solving.
Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support
Provide direct counseling services, including individual (1:1) and small group counseling, as specified in 504 Plans, IEPs or assigned by administration. Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and support the development and monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Monitor intervention effectiveness and recommend data-based adjustments. Maintain documentation of services provided and student progress in alignment with IEP goals and district expectations.
Crisis Prevention and Response
Provide crisis intervention in accordance with school and district protocols. Collaborate with school teams and outside agencies to support students with significant needs. Collaboration and Communication Collaborate with families, educators, administrators, and outside providers to support student outcomes. Participate in meetings to review evaluation results, student progress, and recommendations. Maintain timely, clear, and professional communication.
Professional Practice and Compliance
Maintain current Massachusetts DESE licensure. Adhere to ethical and professional standards established by the National Association of School Psychologists and the Massachusetts Association of School Psychologists. Participate in required professional development, meetings, and district initiatives. Maintain accurate and confidential student records in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Professional Responsibilities
Participate in school-based teams and assigned meetings. Contribute to a positive, safe, and inclusive school environment. Carry out responsibilities within the scope of the school psychologist role and in alignment with district and building leadership. Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services and Special Education, consistent with the scope of the role.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
Master's degree in School Psychology from an accredited institution. Valid Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) licensure as a School Psychologist. Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with students with disabilities in a public school setting. Experience conducting evaluations, participating in IEP development, and providing consultation and/or counseling services in a school setting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Psychological assessment practices and interpretation of standardized instruments Child development, learning theory, and behavioral and social-emotional interventions Federal and state special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504 Ethical standards and professional practices in school psychology Strong assessment, analysis, and report writing Clear and effective communication in English with educators, families, and students, both orally and in writing Consultation and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams Implementation and monitoring of evidence-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional interventions Strong organizational and time management skills to meet multiple deadlines and compliance requirements Administration, scoring, and interpretation of standardized psychological assessments Work independently while managing competing priorities and timelines Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment Build and sustain effective, professional relationships with students, families, staff, and outside agencies Adapt to changing situations and respond effectively to student and school needs Use technology and standard software applications to support job responsibilities Engage in ongoing professional learning and remain current with best practices and legal requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and move throughout the school environment. The role requires the ability to work directly with students in a variety of settings, including classrooms, offices, and other school spaces. The employee may need to position oneself to interact with students (e.g., sitting on the floor, kneeling, or bending) and respond to student needs, including those exhibiting emotional or behavioral dysregulation. The employee may occasionally need to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work is performed in a school setting, including classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces, and requires regular interaction with students, staff, and families. The position involves working with students across a range of developmental levels and needs, including those with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The work environment may include exposure to emotionally charged situations, including student dysregulation and crisis response, requiring the ability to remain calm and responsive in accordance with district protocols. Occasional travel within the district is required and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
The essential duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as an illustration of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.