School Psychologist

Summary:

The School Psychologist serves as a primary source for the assessment of cognitive abilities, achievement, social and emotional functioning, personality and developmental status for students. An essential role of the school psychologist is to synthesize information and translate it for adults who are responsible for promoting healthy growth and development and academic support to children within the school setting. The school psychologist collaborates with all stakeholders involved in the development of the students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Employee's primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Know effective instructional processes


* Understand classroom and school environments


* Understand the organization and operation of schools and agencies


* Adhere to the rules and regulations of IDEA, MARSE and the OCR


* Follow the special education eligibility guidance provided by the local ISD (Wayne RESA)


* Apply principles of learning to the development of competence both within and outside school


* Consult with educators and other professionals regarding cognitive, affective, social and behavioral performance


* Assess developmental needs and develop educational environments that meet those diverse needs


* Coordinate educational, psychological and behavioral health services by working at the interface of these systems


* Assist families who request diagnostic evaluations of learning disabilities and social problems and assistance with academic and behavioral problems


* Collaborate with teachers, parents and other adults to enhance their ability to provide healthy relationships and environments that promote learning and development


* Develop relationships with organizations and agencies to promote contexts that are conducive to learning and development


* Awareness of chronic or acute situations of childhood and adolescence that influence learning or mental health, such as personal or school crises or mental disorders first noticed in infancy, childhood or adolescence


* Understand adverse social conditions that threaten healthy development in school and community, such as community and school violence, juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy and substance abuse


* Understand problems of instructional and learning environments that affect the functioning of the school age population


* Provide assessment of cognitive abilities, achievement, social and emotional functioning, personality and developmental status that is reliable and valid


* Make use of interviews, observations and performance assessments to understand learning and behavior problems


* Provide diagnostic assessments to support eligibility for and delivery of services within statutorily regulated contexts that integrate diagnostic information from other professionals to support recommendations for educational modifications and community services


* Recommend prevention programs to assist students who have mild or transitory problems that interfere with school performance, such as poor peer relationships, learning or behavior problems in the classroom, and adjustment to adoption, death or divorce


* Assist with crisis intervention services that support children following natural disasters, violence, abuse, death or suicide by a student


* Consult with teachers, parents, administrators school staff concerning children's behavior and academic and social problems


* Assist with professional development programs for teachers


* Assist with the analysis of academic achievement using standardized tests, performance assessments, and other appropriate methods


* Perform other duties as assigned.



Qualifications

Education/Experience:

* Masters' degree in the field of school psychology


* Valid Michigan Certification