School Psychologist

JOB ASSIGNMENT: Itinerant and non-public schools involving travel to multiple classrooms and programsORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The School Psychologist reports to the Director of Non-Public Education and Title Programs and in their absence to the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Academic Officer.JOB DEFINITION:The School Psychologist provides comprehensive psychological, educational, social-emotional, and consultation services to nonpublic schools and assigned school districts. The position includes participation in Student Support Teams, multidisciplinary evaluations, individualized education program (IEP)/Service Plan processes, data analysis, and crisis response. The School Psychologist collaborates with students, families, administrators, teachers, and community agencies to promote student learning, behavior, safety, and well-being. The School Psychologist supports the understanding of developmental expectations, assists with prevention and intervention services, and participates in IU and district teams as needed. Services include both direct and indirect supports to at-risk and identified students in accordance with state and federal regulations, NASP ethical guidelines, and Intermediate Unit procedures.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Assessment of Children: Collect, review, and interpret student-relevant data from multiple sources Conduct interviews with parents, administrators, teachers, and staff Observe students in relevant instructional and non-instructional settings Assess students to determine intellectual, academic, social and emotional behavioral functioning and needs to aid in nonpublic educational programming. Administer and interpret comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations using formal, informal, and observational tools. Prepare written evaluation reports with clear findings and recommendations andpresent evaluation results to families and school staff. Conduct equitable participation evaluations for nonpublic school students and participate in multidisciplinary evaluations and re-evaluations. Interpret external evaluations for families and school personnel. Consultation Serve as facilitator and case manager for Student Support Teams (SST) in assigned nonpublic schools. Participate in nonpublic school data meetings and district problem-solving teams. Provide psychological and educational consultation to schools not using formal SST processes Collaborate with staff and families to design and implement educational and behavioral programming. Assist with crisis situations, school climate concerns, and behavioral issues, in coordination with educators and administrators. Participate in IEP and Service Plan development, revisions, and associated functions (e.g., Positive Behavior Support Plans, Manifestation Determinations). Conduct or co-facilitate small groups or counseling services in response to identified needs. Recommend community resources as appropriate. Provide professional development training to nonpublic school staff Provide consultative services to district and/or CSIU personnel, families, and agencies. Consults with teachers, other school staff, and parents about ways to facilitate learning and adjustment for individual or groups of students. Work with the school personnel to accomplish identified program goals and objectives. Crisis Prevention and Response Provide crisis prevention and intervention services to public and nonpublic schools. Maintain safety-related certifications (e.g., Safety Care) and participate in IU crisis response procedures. Assist school teams in developing crisis management plans or providing postvention support. Compliance Comply with Federal, State and Local regulations, guidelines and policies Comply with the National Association of School Psychologists Principles for Professional Ethics. Accurately completes all required paperwork (ACCESS billing, reports, etc.) within the designated timelines. NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITEITES: Performs other services or duties as may be assigned by the program supervisor or designee.EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: A Master's degree is required. A valid Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) 1875-School Psychologist PK-12 certificate pursuant to PDE CSPG 81 School Psychologist PK-12. Minimum of two (2) years' experience working with preschool and/or school age children. Experience in assessment of young children and presenting to groups preferred Thorough knowledge regarding current and relevant assessment instruments and procedures, including of National Association of School Psychologist guidelines for best practices. Advanced skill in administering, scoring and interpreting test results. Advanced writing skills, particularly in report writing preferred. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written and communications skills are necessary to properly maintain open channels of communication with agencies, school districts, parents, members of higher education institutions, etc. Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel and students/trainees. Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a responsible and professional manner. ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015). Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: Attend trainings to keep abreast of current trends, best practices regarding instruction and research to ensure quality special education programs and related services. Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings, participate in local and state training that is pertinent to their job assignment and participate in Bureau of Special Education Initiatives, Bureau of Early Intervention Services, Office of Non-Public Education, and CSIU sponsored activities. Maintain PDE certification requirements of Act 48 hours for the Professional Education Records Management System (PERMS) specific five (5) year periods. Maintain certification in Safety Care. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Perform light physical education activities with the students including bending, light exercise, throwing, hitting a ball, etc. Navigate the hallways (which may be filled with students) quickly in the event of an altercation. The ability to physically separate fighting students, implementing fully all components of Safe Crisis Management. Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.). Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction. Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds. Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day. Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. Must have transportation to work locations; and be able to travel and arrive at various locations on schedule over a wide geographic area. TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS: This is a full time exempt position following a 188 day, 7.5 hours per day work schedule which, at times could include some evening work. Overnight travel to attend and provide seminars and workshops. May include evening meetings and overnight travel to attend and provide seminars and workshops Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; the immediate supervisor must approve any and all absences. CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards. The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.