Position Summary:
The School Psychologist works within the school system, utilizing their specialized knowledge in education law, instruction, mental health and cognitive functioning and working with educators, parents and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. The services provided by school psychologists assure positive interaction between instructional programming and the individual student’s unique development and learning style. School Psychologists tailor their services to the particular needs of each child and situation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Administers and interprets psychological assessments for the purpose of 504 and special education identification, placement and intervention implementation;
- Consults with educators, families, school staff, administrators and community providers regarding the academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs of students;
- Works with educators to identify, implement and monitor evidence-based academic and behavior interventions to address the needs of students;
- Guides school teams through the functional behavioral assessment process to develop behavior intervention plans;
- Provides individual and group counseling as appropriate;
- Conducts suicide risk assessments and behavior threat assessments, and develops support plans;
- Supports students, families and schools during and after crisis responses;
- Delivers workshops to students, families, educators and community members;
- Serves on office, department and/or systemic committees;
- Assists with the implementation of initiatives to create safe and supportive learning environments;
- Connects families with community agencies that provide services to students;
- Participates on collaborative teams such as Student Intervention Teams (SIT), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 teams to address individual, group and school wide needs; and
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Prince George’s County Public Schools and the local, state and national agencies and organizations providing services to youth and families;
- Knowledge of Prince George’s County Public Schools procedures, especially crisis response, suicide intervention and behavior threat assessment;
- Knowledge of state laws pertaining to suicide intervention and behavior threat assessment;
- Skills in working with students experiencing significant social, emotional and behavioral issues;
- Excellent human relations, problem solving, as well as oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to use computer technology in an administrative and educational setting to manage meetings and all aspects of work assignments; and
- Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to function effectively in multiple environments.
Education and/or Experience Requirements:
Master’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in school psychology or a closely related field required.
Certification:
Holds or is eligible for a Maryland School Psychologist’s License.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
No direct supervisory responsibilities.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
Additional Information:
None.
