WINDSOR UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: PSYCHOLOGIST
DEFINITION:
Under the direction of the Coordinator of Special Education/Pupil Services, the Psychologist provides psychological services to regular students and students with special needs; develops individual case studies of students to determine eligibility for special programs; consults with school personnel, parents and others concerned with the progress of students. (When qualified, provides such services in English as well as in a targeted primary language other than English to Limited English Proficient (LEP) students, or to deaf students using communication skills for the deaf when appropriate.)
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Conducts psychological assessments and develops case studies of individual students to
determine educational needs, learning characteristics, and social behavior relevant to
educational placement and instructional planning; files such case studies in compliance
with established policies and procedures.
* Interprets the findings of individual studies to principals, teachers, parents, students, and
others directly concerned with the welfare of students.
* Evaluates the results of tests in relation to the cultural environmental and language
backgrounds of students.
* Conducts psycho-educational assessments of students referred for special education
services and G.A.T.E. programs.
* Participates in the process required by federal, state and local regulation for the
identification, placement, and review/re-evaluation of students with special needs;
participates in and may act as chairperson for such groups as the school-site
Individualized Educational Program Team, or district level Educational Assessment
Service Team.
* Assists in developing a written individualized Educational Program for students who are
eligible for special education placement and/or services; assists in developing
recommendations regarding eligibility, and program placement.
* Assists in implementing policies and procedures for placement and discharge of disabled
students in special education programs; consults with parents, teachers, and other
school personnel in implementing such action.
* Assists in developing behavioral objectives for identified students; suggest
implementation strategies as appropriate; converse with teachers and parents regarding
strategies for the solution or amelioration of individual learning or adjustment problems
of students.
* Assists with the organization of, and serves as a leader in, staff development activities
in the field of special education and supported instructional services.
* Serves as a resource person to school personnel in the effective use of District and
agency educational support services.
* Provides psychological counseling to students, staff, and parents as a member of the
school crisis team.
* Participates in research to evaluate procedures and tests used in assessments; makes
systematic reviews and prepares reports as directed.
* Represents the District in Special Education Hearings as needed.
* Represents the District at local S.E.L.P.A. and County meetings as needed.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATION
Knowledge of:
* Laws and process related to Individualized Transition Planning, Hughes Bill, and
Individual’s with Disabilities Education Act.
* Growth and development of children and adolescents, learning theory, mental health
emotionality, and behavioral management.
* Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs of students and parents who are not fluent
in English.
* Sensitivity to and understanding of the unique differences and needs of disabled
students and their parents.
* Uses and limitations of standardized individual and group tests and semi-projective
devices, with full range of disabled population.
Ability to:
* Assume leadership in teacher staff development activities.
* Understanding of the relationship between the total education program and counseling
and psychological services.
* Facility in oral and written communication.
* Ability to supervise interns.
Psychologist
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Experience:
* Working with severely handicapped population and program options.
Education:
* A master’s degree or advanced degree of at least equivalent standard from an
accredited college or university.
* A Pupil Personnel Services Credential authorizing services as a school psychologist.
Desirable Experience:
* Successful experience as a school psychologist.
* Successful full-time public school service in a certificated position(s) in programs and/or
services involving exceptional students.
* 3 years experience in a K-12 school setting.
* Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish.
