School Psychologist Position Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
Central Kitsap School District is seeking equity-focused educators who create hope and resiliency for our students and lead the way in eliminating opportunity gaps. As an educator in CK, you will have the responsibility to make a profound and lasting, positive impact on the lives of our students.
Under general supervision, provides diagnostic and consultative psychological services in accordance with district policy and standards set by professional psychological organizations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Fosters an educational environment conducive to the learning and maturation process of assigned students.
Consults and collaborates with parents, school staff, and outside agency personnel regarding the psycho-educational needs of students, their implications, and means of intervening.
Conducts multi-factored psychological and psycho-educational assessments of children and youth, as appropriate, such assessments may use a variety of standardized and non-standardized instruments/procedures to collect data; areas assessed may include social-emotional adjustment, cognitive and aptitude, academic achievement, language and communication skills, learning styles, sensory and perceptual-motor functioning, adaptive behavior, environmental and cultural influences.
Participates in facilitating the design and development of building level procedures to prevent educational failure and meet the mental health and learning needs of students.
Integrates information into an accurate and useful overview to be used for determining intervention, programs and service needs; participates as an Individual Education Program (IEP) team member and compiles information, which may include a written report integrating assessment results and implications, and providing feedback to IEP members and parents for all students formally referred.
Consults and collaborates in developing and maintaining positive relationships among students, parents and teachers, and involving them in assessment, interventions, and program evaluation procedures.
Provides, as appropriate, direct and indirect psychological interventions to facilitate the functioning of individuals and groups, such as developing, implementing and monitoring behavioral management strategies, providing group and individual counseling, designing intervention programs to enhance cognitive, affective, social, and vocational development in the school environment.
Initiates, expedites, and manages referrals to other agencies and specialists, as appropriate.
Integrates and interprets the steps and processes involved in implementing district policies and other appropriate laws used in determining students program and service needs.
Develops and assists in the development of in-service and other skill enhancement activities for school personnel, parents and others within the school and district, where appropriate.
May consult with program staff on how to design and interpret research to improve program effectiveness within total school programs, as appropriate.
Collects and interprets a variety of data; provides reports for administrative purposes.
Directs the activities of assigned non-certificated personnel.
Attends or participates in all required staff meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the district and/or building principal, in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
- Serves on staff committees as required.
- Participates in a variety of activities to enhance personal and professional skills.
- Performs related tasks consistent with the scope and responsibility of the position.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Psychological diagnostics and interventions to support cognitive, affective, social and vocational development in students; rules and procedures for student safety.
Skills in: Proficiency in reading, writing, and oral communications; effective communication with parents or guardians in a diverse community.
Ability to: Support students in a positive and confident manner; be fair and consistent when working with a culturally, racially, and economically diverse student population; adapt to change and remain flexible; organize activities; manage student behavior; use good judgment to maintain a safe learning environment; provide instruction and demonstrate techniques; use necessary equipment, computers, machinery, tools, or software; direct the work of paraeducators; establish and maintain effective, positive working relationships with students, parents or guardians, staff and administrators; in some positions, administer first aid and CPR.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Required to support a wide range of student achievement and behavior; required to remain flexible to meet students’ immediate needs; required to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize; may experience frequent interruptions; may occasionally work with distraught or difficult students; potentially exposed to ordinary infectious diseases carried by students; in some positions the necessary and appropriate instructional methods may require specific positions and movements, and sufficient stamina and exertions, to demonstrate techniques properly for student safety, or to conduct or direct students; in some positions precautions may need to be taken to prevent or lessen exposure of self and/or students to various materials, fumes, equipment, cutting edges or hot surfaces.
CONDITIONS & DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this position and are not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.
TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience: Master’s degree; academic preparation for or experience in supporting a culturally, racially and economically diverse student population.
Certificates & Licenses: Valid Washington state ESA certificate with appropriate endorsement for assignment; some positions may require valid first aid and CPR certification; some positions may require a valid Washington state driver's license and/or a Class II driver's license.
Clearances: Criminal justice fingerprint and background check.