CLOVIS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT	POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:

Department/Site: Reports to/Evaluated by:

Psychologist

Special Education/Various Sites Program Specialist/Site Admin.

FLSA:

Salary Schedule:

Exempt

Admin. Management

SUMMARY

Under direction, School Psychologists work to assist children and youth achieve academic, social, and emotional success. Employee provides a program of psychological services to reduce or eliminate variables preventing or interfering with a student's ability to learn. Incumbent functions to broaden the educational experience of students by promoting their sense of self and facilitating best possible adjustment to school.

DISTINGUISHING CAREER FEATURES

School psychologists work in various settings including classrooms and offices. Employee collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments for students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•	 Conducts individual and group evaluations and diagnoses of learning, behavior and/or adjustment problems of special education children and youth under Section 504.

•	Evaluates eligibility for special services. Assesses academic skills and aptitude for learning. Determines social-emotional development and mental health status. Evaluates learning environments.

•	Provides psychological counseling to aid in resolving interpersonal or family problems interfering with school performance.	Works directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning. Provides training in social skills and anger management. Help families and schools manage crises such as death, illness, or community trauma.

•	 Writes comprehensive psycho-educational evaluations and assists in the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Develops appropriate individual and/or group programs of instruction and treatment for learning disabilities. Writes Behavior Support Plans and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.

•	 Collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems. Provides consultation and advisement to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding the general and special educational programs as appropriate. Assists others understand child development and how it affects learning and behavior. Strengthens working relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community.

•	 Evaluates the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs. Identifies and implements programs and strategies to improve schools. Uses evidence-based research to develop and/or recommend effective interventions.

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•	May supervise, train and evaluate the work of Psychology Intern(s) and/or Practicum Student(s).

•	Provides in-service training in learning, child development and child management to parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals and paraprofessionals in assigned schools.

•	Facilitates coordination, communication and consultation with community agencies as appropriate.

•	Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills: Skill in analyzing, identifying, addressing and implementing programs and activities for successfully resolving a multitude of child psychological problems. Considerable knowledge of psychological testing procedures and evaluations; considerable knowledge and understanding of Section 504 and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Considerable knowledge of available resources and procedures to access resources, in order to meet the special needs of students and/or their families. Considerable knowledge regarding legal responsibilities of psychological counseling; stays abreast of innovative professional practices in the field; stays abreast of program placement requirements for exceptional programs. Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with departmental personnel, instructors, students and their families. Ability to work independently to carry out assignments to completion. Ability to perform duties with a professional and cooperative work ethic; ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to demonstrate respect for and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.

Physical Abilities: Ability to work under stressful conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit. Must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Eyesight, corrected or uncorrected, sufficient to observe emotional or behavioral signs. Hearing, sufficient with or without use of hearing aid, to hear student requests and understand voice and speech patterns. Physical stamina to sit for extended periods of time and ability to drive a vehicle.

Work Environment: Work is typically within a classroom setting.

Education and Experience: Master Degree in Psychology or equivalent; supplemented by one (1) year internship working with disabled or special needs children.

Licenses and Certificates: California Pupil Personnel Services credential with School Psychology Authorization. Current California Driver’s license.

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