JOB TITLE: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

DEPARTMENT: Special Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services

FLSA STATUS/CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Classified

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: School Psychologist Intern

APPROVED ON: 04/08/2014

SUMMARY:  Determines eligibility for placement of exceptional children in the least restrictive environment,  and assists in providing students the fullest possible educational experience.

Duties are to be performed in accordance with district policies and procedures and applicable state laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows the guidelines for exceptional children as set forth in the State of Arizona’s Special Education Rules and Regulations and aids school personnel on interpretation and implementation of these guidelines
• Conducts diagnostic studies to identify child's needs, limitations, and potentials, observing child in classroom and at play, studying school records, consulting with parents and school personnel, and administering and interpreting diagnostic findings; assesses strengths and weaknesses of referred students and recommends placement for all exceptional student through these testing and diagnostic practices
• Deals sensitively with confidential information
• Interprets the school psychological services and special education programs; provides or and assists with in-service training
• Prepares and submits required reports
• Works with a variety of school personnel, including students, via the consultation model to assist pupils to achieve personal, social, and emotional adjustments
• Collaborates with staff regarding research to aid in introduction of programs in schools to meet current psychological, educational, and sociological needs of children
• Refers individuals to community agencies to secure medical, vocational, or social services for child or family
• Serves as consultant to staff, the school board, the Superintendent, administrative committees, and parent teacher groups in matters involving psychological services within the educational system or school                 
• Attends staff, professional, and interagency meetings
• Cooperates with community health and social welfare programs
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the field, and participates in in-service meetings
• Is involved in the planning and development of additional special education services

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of current accepted practices in the field of psychology
• Knowledge of data usage, including collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously
• Ability to do mathematical computations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Produce accurate work and complete assignments with minimal supervision
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents and community members
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws, district procedures and Board policies
• Ability to handle confrontation and conflict in a professional manner

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher
• ArizonaSchool Psychologist Certification
• Prior professional experience
• Criminal justice/Fingerprint clearance

Computer Proficiency:  Demonstrated general proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, stoop and walk.  The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty pounds.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor school environment.  This position regularly works indoors.  The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times.   Will have contact with students, staff, external agencies and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.  The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.