School Psychologist

INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT Job Description SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST Qualifications

• Completion of a specialist, PhD or equivalent degree (minimum of 60 graduate semester hours) with a major emphasis in school psychology.
• Hold a current certification as a School Psychologist in Missouri through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
• Completion of a planned program of practicum experiences and a supervised internship equivalent to one academic year, or a minimum of 1,200 hours.
• Must have a valid driver's license and daily access to a vehicle required for travel throughout the school district.

Director of Special Services

School Psychologists support District staff with evaluating the needs and educational programs of students; act as a consultant to staff and parents regarding student learning concerns, including any social, emotional, or behavioral barriers; and assist in team planning and screening efforts in assigned buildings.

• Provide collaborative consultation by assisting the staff with suggestions and appropriate intervention strategies.
• Provide recommendations and suggestions to assist staff in working with students in the classroom.
• Assist in developing behavior intervention plans and student support plans, in cooperation with other school personnel.
• Assist in guiding and conducting functional behavior assessments in cooperation with other school personnel.
• Consult with teachers, parents and other appropriate staff regarding student programming and any adaptation materials needed to facilitate improved performance in the classroom.
• Assist teachers, parents, and students in understanding, preventing, and addressing learning, behavioral, developmental and emotional difficulties.
• Participate in developing and updating the problem‑solving team process for the district.
• Provide guidance on problem‑solving teams and help school teams implement three‑tiered models of student support.
• Apply sound principles of data‑based decision making to all aspects of practice.
• Analyze student data to determine the effectiveness of interventions provided and to evaluate growth in student learning.
• Conduct in‑service and professional development trainings on educational and psychological topics such as trauma‑informed care and trauma‑sensitive school practices, behavior management, mental health, problems‑solving teams, etc.
• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team, as needed, to conduct/interpret evaluations.
• Attend eligibility/IEP meetings, as needed.
• Manage inventory of individualized assessment tools and project needs for budgeting.
• Assist in crisis response and intervention, as needed.
• Conduct threat assessments when appropriate.
• Ability to restrain students using district‑approved restraint procedures if required by supervisor.
• Apply ethics and standards of professional practice in the delivery of school psychological services and observe relevant laws and policies that govern practice.
• Safeguard confidentiality of student records.
• Possess effective communication skills.
• Adhere to all District policies and procedures and laws outlined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (2004) and the Missouri State Plan for Special Education.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Services.

School Psychologists will be employed for a ten (10) month position. The salary and work year will be established annually by the Board of Education.

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy by the immediate supervisor, utilizing the Independence School District School Psychologist Performance Based Evaluation.