School Psychologist

Position Title: Psychologist

Reports To: Director/Assistant Director of Special Education and Student Services

Supervises: None

Terms of Employment: STEA CBA

Exempt

188 Days

Job Summary:

School Psychologists support students’ learning, social development, and mental and behavioral health using problem solving, comprehensive psychoeducational assessments, data-based decision-making, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions. School psychologists collaborate and consult with educators, families, and other professionals to help create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for all students.

Job Goal:

To foster a positive and supportive learning environment by providing mental health services, conducting assessments, and collaborating with educators, parents, and school staff to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. This will include developing individualized interventions, promoting mental wellness programs, and ensuring students receive the necessary support to thrive academically and personally.

Job Description:

Qualifications:

• Qualified applicants will have completed an accredited graduate degree program at the specialist level (e.g., Ed.S., M.A. + CAGS; M.A. + CAS; M.S./M.A.) or higher requiring a minimum of 60 graduate credits.
• Qualified applicants will hold or be eligible to obtain a valid School Psychologist license/certificate issued by PDE.

Essential Functions:

Data-Based Decision Making and Accountability
School psychologists utilize varied models and methods of assessment and data collection for identifying strengths and needs of individual students and the broader school community, developing effective services and programs, and measuring progress and outcomes.

Consultation and Collaboration
School psychologists consult and collaborate with colleagues, students, families and other stakeholders to promote effective implementation of services.

Interventions and Instructional Support to Develop Academic Skills
School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data collection methods and to implement and evaluate services that support cognitive and academic skills.

Interventions and Mental Health Services to Develop Social and Life Skills
School psychologists, in collaboration with others, use assessment and data-collection methods to implement and evaluate services that support socialization, learning, and mental and behavioral health, including but not limited to behavioral supports, individual and group counseling, and social skills training.

School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
School psychologists develop and implement practices and strategies to create and maintain effective and supportive learning environments for children and others (e.g., positive behavior interventions and supports).

Preventive and Responsive Services
School psychologists promote services that enhance learning, mental and behavioral health, safety, and physical well-being through protective and adaptive factors and implement effective crisis preparation, response, and recovery.

Family–School Collaboration Services
School psychologists implement and evaluate services that respond to culture and context and facilitate family and school partnerships and interactions with community agencies for enhancement of academic and social–behavioral outcomes for children.

Diversity in Development and Learning
School psychologists provide effective professional services that promote effective functioning for individuals, families, and schools with diverse characteristics, cultures, and backgrounds and across multiple contexts, with recognition that an understanding and respect for diversity in development and learning and advocacy for social justice are foundations for all aspects of service delivery.

Research and Program Evaluation
School psychologists evaluate and apply research as a foundation for service delivery and, in collaboration with others, use various techniques and technology resources for data collection, measurement, and analysis to support effective practices at the individual, group, and/or systems levels.

Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
School psychologists provide services consistent with ethical, legal, and professional standards; engage in responsive ethical and professional decision-making; collaborate with other professionals; and apply professional work characteristics needed for effective practice as school psychologists, including respect for human diversity and social justice, communication skills, effective interpersonal skills, responsibility, adaptability, initiative, dependability, and technology skills.

Marginal Functions:

1. Crisis Intervention:

• While the primary role is to prevent and address long-term mental health concerns, school psychologists may also be involved in crisis management, including helping students and staff during traumatic events or emergencies.

2. Training and Consultation:

• They may occasionally provide training or workshops for teachers, parents, and staff on topics related to mental health, behavior management, or special education processes.
• This might involve creating or supporting initiatives like bullying prevention programs or mental health awareness campaigns.

3. Administering or Supporting Special Education Services:

• Although their main responsibility may be psychological assessment and counseling, school psychologists may assist with the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans for students with disabilities.
• They may also help evaluate students for special education services, contributing to multidisciplinary teams.

4. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Psychologists may help collect and analyze data for school-wide assessments, academic progress monitoring, or behavior tracking to identify trends or areas of concern that require intervention.

5. Community Outreach and Referrals:

• While providing direct mental health services is their main function, they may also assist in connecting students and families with external mental health professionals or community resources.
• School psychologists can be involved in coordinating school and community programs, such as family support groups or community health initiatives.

6. Support for School-wide Behavioral Initiatives:

• They may assist with the development and implementation of school-wide behavior programs or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
• Psychologists often play a role in assessing the effectiveness of these programs and making recommendations for improvements.

7. Research and Program Evaluation:

• School psychologists may contribute to research projects or evaluations of the effectiveness of mental health programs or other school-based interventions.
• They may work with administrators to review the impact of mental health services and suggest improvements.

Physical/Mental/Environmental Demands:

Qualified applicants will possess good oral and written communication skills, time management, organizational skills, problem solving, and consultation and collaboration skills. Oral and written communication is required for sharing information with staff and parents. Computer processing and data entry are required for this position. Visual acuity and hearing are required for the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services. Occasional lifting of materials and equipment of less than 25 pounds and assisting with students may be required. The ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with multiple deadlines, a variety of people and personnel, and frequent interruptions is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

The Susquehanna Township School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.