2137.2 – PSYCHOLOGIST
DEFINITION
The Psychologist’s role is that of an educational consultant and diagnostician. He/she works with teachers, administrators, pupils, parents, and other significant influences in a child’s life. He/she may seek involvement as a (1) Consultant to Teachers, Program Specialists and Resource Specialists regarding learning problems, behavioral management techniques, remedial techniques and materials; (2) Counselor, leading individual and group sessions; (3) Resource person providing for inservice program; (4) Coordinator of community resource agencies; (5) Leader of parent and/or faculty groups; and (6) Diagnostic and Remediation Specialist.
SUPERVISION RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Psychologist is a member of the management team responsible to the Assistant Superintendent, Pupil Support Services. Supervises pupils in the Special Education Program. Reports to and maintains open communication with the building principal, keeping principal informed of test results, counseling and conference results and pupil progress.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Assists in developing policies and procedures related to Pupil Support Services Division. Serves as a member of the Assistant Superintendent, Pupil Support Services, management staff
- Develops reports and recommendations for the Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, or Board of Trustees
- Regularly advises the Assistant Superintendent, Pupil Support Services on the need for policy or procedure changes. Reviews state, federal and local laws as they pertain to the Pupil Support Services Division and makes recommendations regarding their implementation
- Prepares end of the year report for each school to which he/she is assigned, reflecting the overall activities of the Pupil Support Services efforts in the school during the past year and makes recommendations on goals and objectives for the future
- Is the Chief Management Coordinator for all case study work-ups for all pupils referred to the School Appraisal Team and to the Educational Assessment Service
- Represents the District in consultation with other agencies, both public and private, regarding individual cases and makes appropriate reports of such contacts
- Represents the District in consultation with psychiatrists, physicians, social workers, other psychologists and pupil personnel workers for the purpose of correlating all available information regarding individual cases
- Plans and implements regular professional improvement programs for pupil personnel workers
- Represents the District and interprets policies, programs, and the work of the department to school staff and to the community
- Assists teachers and support services personnel to diagnose learning problems or the need for enrichment, to plan and implement appropriate programs, and to evaluate the results thereof
- Assists in providing appropriate physical and psychological environment to establish and reinforce acceptable pupil behavior, attitudes, social skills, and self-image
- Evaluates and makes periodic reports on the achievement and personal adjustment of pupils in cooperation with the staff
- Provides individual and small group instruction and guidance, as required
- Consults with parents and professional staff as to pupil’s progress
- Administers to pupils individual intelligence and achievement tests, or other tests and screening instruments, as needed. Supervises screening testing by counselors
- Writes complete reports for each child tested, observed, or worked with in any way and keeps and makes required records and/or reports
- Evaluates and interprets testing and makes recommendations for school and class placements
- Interprets test findings for parents, teachers, and staff. Counsels regarding pupils’ potential achievement level, personality adjustment, and recommends ways of helping pupil or suggests other facilities and/or community resources that may provide assistance
- Counsels pupils regarding test findings, academic, social, or emotional problems, and general vocational goals
- Performs other duties as assigned, and gives full support to all district programs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Learning Environment
Works with all faculty members to assist them in maintaining a proper learning environment
Pupil Control and Discipline
Assists faculty members to use appropriate and acceptable control and discipline techniques
Credentials/Certificates
Holds and has registered in the proper offices the appropriate and valid credential for the position.
Education
Masters Degree appropriate to the position
Additional graduate study relevant to the position is desirable.
Experience
An internship providing experience appropriate to the position
Personal Qualities
Appearance and grooming should be neat, clean, and appropriate for the professional performance expected in the assigned position. Appearance and grooming should be an example for pupils not a copying of their styles
Personality should be friendly, considerate, cheerful, and pleasant (even under trying conditions). There must be respect for children and a real concern for their well-being. Must have a proven ability to relate well to pupils, parents, faculty and staff
Emotional maturity must be exhibited in the life patterns and educational roles of the professional performer.
