School Psychologist

Position Title School Psychologist � K�12 Department Special Education and Student Wellness Reports To Director of Special Education and Student Wellness Work day 7 hour and 20 minutes per day (10 days in the summer) Please see attached CBA Position Summary The School Psychologist provides comprehensive psychological and educational services to support the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs of students in grades K�12. The School Psychologist works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, administrators, special education personnel, and community providers to identify student needs, develop appropriate interventions, support educational planning, and promote student success. The School Psychologist conducts psychoeducational evaluations and reevaluations; participates in multidisciplinary teams, IEP and 504 processes; provides consultation and intervention; assists with behavioral and mental health supports; and contributes to a positive, safe, and inclusive school environment. The position requires strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, educational psychology, assessment practices, special education regulations, evidence-based interventions, and Pennsylvania school requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assessment and Evaluation Conduct comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and reevaluations in accordance with federal and Pennsylvania special education requirements. Administer, score, interpret, and communicate results from a variety of standardized psychological, cognitive, academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental assessments. Integrate information from assessments, observations, interviews, records, and other data sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of student needs. Prepare clear, accurate, and timely evaluation and reevaluation reports. Participate in multidisciplinary evaluation teams and assist in determining student eligibility for special education services. Provide recommendations for educational programming, interventions, accommodations, and supports based on evaluation findings. Maintain appropriate documentation and ensure compliance with applicable timelines and procedural requirements. Student Support and Intervention Provide individual and/or group interventions addressing academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs. Consult with teachers and other school personnel regarding student concerns and appropriate interventions. Assist with the development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior intervention plans and other student support strategies. Utilize data to monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Support students experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, behavioral concerns, trauma, grief, crisis situations, or other barriers to learning. Assist in identifying students who may benefit from additional mental health, behavioral, or community-based supports. Participate in crisis response and follow district procedures related to student safety and mental health concerns. Special Education and Student Services Participate in IEP meetings and contribute psychological, behavioral, social-emotional, and educational information to the development of IEPs. Participate in Section 504 processes, as appropriate. Collaborate with special education teachers, general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, and families. Assist in developing appropriate accommodations, modifications, goals, and services based on student needs. Support the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and other evidence-based systems of intervention. Provide consultation and support related to least restrictive environment, inclusion, and appropriate educational programming. Maintain knowledge of current federal and Pennsylvania special education laws, regulations, and guidance. Consultation and Collaboration Consult regularly with teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, special education staff, and other school personnel regarding student needs. Establish and maintain effective communication with parents and guardians. Collaborate with outside agencies and community-based providers, as appropriate and consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements. Provide professional consultation regarding student behavior, learning, social-emotional development, and mental health. Participate in multidisciplinary problem-solving teams and student assistance processes. Provide staff consultation, resources, and/or professional development related to student mental health, behavior, learning, and social-emotional needs. Behavioral and Mental Health Support Assist schools in identifying and responding to student behavioral and mental health concerns. Conduct functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), when appropriate. Assist with behavior intervention planning and progress monitoring. Support school-based prevention and intervention initiatives addressing social-emotional learning, behavioral health, and student wellness. Assist with threat assessment and other student safety processes within the scope of the position and district procedures. Respond appropriately to student crises and make recommendations for additional supports or referrals when needed. Recognize and appropriately respond to concerns involving suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with Pennsylvania mandated reporter requirements and district procedures. Recordkeeping and Compliance Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely student records. Complete required documentation within established timelines. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, IDEA, Pennsylvania law, professional ethical standards, and district policies. Maintain appropriate professional records related to evaluations, interventions, consultations, and services. Participate in required district, state, and professional training. Professional Responsibilities Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices in school psychology, assessment, intervention, and student mental health. Participate in professional development activities. Maintain appropriate professional licensure and certifications. Demonstrate professional judgment, ethical conduct, cultural responsiveness, and respect for student and family diversity. Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered school culture. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education, building administrator, or Superintendent. Qualifications Required Master's degree or higher in School Psychology from an accredited institution. Valid Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as a School Psychologist or eligibility for Pennsylvania certification. Knowledge of psychoeducational assessment, child and adolescent development, special education, behavioral intervention, and school-based mental health practices. Knowledge of federal and Pennsylvania special education requirements. Ability to interpret assessment data and communicate findings clearly to families and school personnel. Strong interpersonal, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills. Ability to establish effective working relationships with students, families, staff, administrators, and community providers. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. Preferred Experience working as a school psychologist in a K�12 educational setting. Experience conducting comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations and reevaluations. Experience with MTSS, PBIS, FBAs, behavior intervention plans, and evidence-based behavioral interventions. Experience supporting students with social-emotional and mental health needs. Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Experience with crisis intervention, threat assessment, and suicide prevention/intervention. Familiarity with Pennsylvania special education systems, regulations, and practices. Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in a school environment with students in grades K�12. May require movement among classrooms, buildings, offices, and other district facilities. May involve interaction with students experiencing significant academic, behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges. May require participation in crisis response or emergency situations. May require occasional work outside of the regular school day for meetings, professional development, or other district activities. Regular use of computers, electronic student information systems, assessment tools, and other technology is required. Evaluation Performance will be evaluated in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, district policies, and established evaluation procedures. The Octorara Area School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.