ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

Participates in identification and provides psychological assess ments and habilitative programs for children who exhibit develop mental learning and/or school adjustment difficulties, under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, and in compliance with existing legislation and School Committee policy.

DIMENSIONS:

Students: Hours in total number of Individual Education Plans not in excess of 24-hours per week.

Schools: Maximum of two Evaluation Teams

NATURE AND SCOPE:

• The school psychologist reports to the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and is responsible for psychological services in the schools to which she/he is assigned.
• The position provides identification, evaluation, and placement of children with social, emotional and learning difficulties. Such children and their families are assisted in transitions between educational placements. In conjunction with guidance counselors, developmental and preventative programs are provided directly in classrooms or through consultation with teachers.
• All children are screened directly or through teacher consultation. Children who are referred for psychological assessment are evaluated by the school psychologist. Diagnostic work is provided in cooperation with other Evaluation Team members. Direct service is provided to children with social, emotional, and developmental learning problems, and to their parents and teachers.
• Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, the incumbent is responsible for providing these services in a manner consistent with existing legislation and School Committee policy.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Screen children whose performance in school is of concern to teachers, administrators or parents, through observation, consultation, review of child's history and administration of screening instruments.
• Evaluates and re-evaluates the functioning of children who are referred under Ch. 766 by administration of diagnostic tests and other clinical procedures.
• Writes psychological reports including diagnostic summaries of evaluations and consults with parents and teachers so that diagnostic information can facilitate appropriate remediation and management of disabilities at school and at home.
• Intervenes in school adjustment problems of children through provision of short term individual child therapy, parent counseling, teacher and staff consultation, and leading childrens’ groups and parents' groups.
• Participates as leader or as a member of Evaluation Teams, including the writing of Individual Education Plans for children who will receive psychological services under Ch. 766.
• Acts as liaison and referral agent for children whose educational needs require special curriculum or teacher selection or placement in Ch. 766 approved day and residential schools.
• With permission from parents, works with private medical, mental health and social services workers so that services to a child and family are mutually supportive and most effective.
• Works with children in classrooms and/or with teachers to facilitate mainstreaming of handicapped children, including mutual understanding and appreciation of strengths and weaknesses.
• Selects or develops screening, diagnostic and curriculum materials, as needed for accountabilities of position.
• Provides teacher support and develops relationships with teachers that facilitate high morale in relation to their work with students who have social and emotional problems.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth through participation in staff and program development procedures and attendance at courses and/or professional meetings.
• Participates in job-related activities and departmental meetings and provides information regarding accountability of work time as requested by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services.