School Psychologist

Position Summary:

This position is a member of school teams that promotes early interventions through multi-tiered systems of support. This person will conduct individual evaluations of students suspected of having a disability in accordance with federal and state guidelines. The school psychologist must work with students, families, and educators in meetings both educational and mental health needs in schools.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Psychology
• Tennessee Department of Education School Services Personnel License

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs psycho-educational assessments on referred students including selecting appropriate instruments, administering tests, observations, reviewing existing information, and writing reports documenting findings and providing for educational program recommendations.
• Evaluates eligibility for special education program recommendations.
• Participates as a member of IEP teams contributing and interpreting evaluation findings and collaborating on the development of the educational plan.
• Provides collaborative consultation and documentation of results including assisting general education staff with suggestions and implementation of RTI, pre-referral intervention strategies, and providing recommendations and accommodations to assist general education staff in working with special education students in the classroom setting.
• Participates in building level RTI teams to assist in interpreting data and developing interventions.
• Conducts re-evaluations of special education students to determine present levels of of performance, continued eligibility, extent of progress, and needed services and support.
• Reviews educational records of students transferring from other school systems to assist in determining eligibility and services.
• Assists with design and implementation of progress monitoring of students.
• May participate on the crisis response team.
• Provides short-term counseling for youngsters struggling with learning and social/emotional difficulties.
• Acts as a team member of Functional Behavior Teams.
• Assists with grade-level and individual gifted screenings.
• Prepares and presents educational workshops as appropriate.
• Research resources and methods (interventions, assessment tools, etc.)
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel, and/or outside professionals as appropriate regarding cognitive, affective, social, academic, and behavioral performance.
• Assists school personnel in determining appropriate instructional levels for deficit areas.
• Assists teachers in determining and writing narratives for present levels of educational performance.
• Collaborates with instructional coaches, teachers, central office personnel on refining the RTI process.
• Trains teachers on de-escalation strategies for youngsters in crisis.
• Assists teachers in strategies to create positive classroom environments.
• Consults with teachers and parents regarding associated deficits and strategies for youth with specific disabilities.
• Adheres to the ethical standards and codes of the profession and to the established rules, regulations, and laws governing special education programs.
• Participates in activities that promote continued professional development and uses clinical/educational research to enhance school psychology services.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor of Special Education.