DEC - School Psychologist at Gaston County Schools in Gastonia, NC

School Psychologists are an integral part of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework in our schools.

Definition

School Psychologists are an integral part of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework in our schools. The employee works collaboratively with school personnel to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of core instruction and evidence-based interventions. The employee uses data to monitor, evaluate, and adjust evidence-based interventions for students with behavioral, academic, affective, or social needs. The employee provides counseling to individuals or groups of students as appropriate. The employee conducts assessments of students to define problems and to permit the development of suitable interventions; prepares written comprehensive reports of findings according to accepted standards of ethics and professional practice; collaborates with students to solve individual problems and to develop/modify programs in individual schools and/or the LEA. The employee participates in program development in his/her area of special expertise and continues to develop professionally so that students are provided with services based on current professional research, knowledge, and skills. The employee may also be requested to present workshops to share information with other professionals and explain the MTSS and/or Department for Exceptional Children (DEC) processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate as a team member on various problem-solving teams and effectively coordinate duties with team members.

• Help schools and teams understand universal and progress monitoring data as part of the problem-solving process.

• Help with the creation, monitoring, and evaluation of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.

• Serve as a consultant to school personnel including, but not limited to, Special Education teachers and professionals, Social Workers, Counselors, general education teachers, and administrators.

• Provide individual and group counseling as needed.

• Conduct evaluations of students.

• Prepare test reports.

• Participate in Individual Education Program Teams to interpret test results and relate test scores to DPI eligibility standards.

• Maintain data on tests administered.

• Serve on various task forces.

• Prepare and present at workshops.

• Collaborate with colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing programs and services for exceptional children.

• Knowledge of technology to operate a computer to generate psychological reports and data.

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, teachers, students, and administrators.

• Ability to participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• Ability to organize time efficiently and to be self-motivated in scheduling assigned work.

• Ability to move from school to school to address student needs.

• Ability to use sound judgment in approaching and working with sensitive and difficult situations.

• Ability to work with colleagues and families in a professional manner.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data, work with records processes, and do extensive reading and research.

• Must be able to physically transport and/or carry psychological materials and laptop computer from one workspace to another, in all types of weather.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in School Psychology from a regionally accredited college/university.

• Holds or is eligible for North Carolina Certification as a School Psychologist (00026).

This Position Reports Directly to: Lead Psychologist/Executive Director of Department for

Exceptional Children

Classification: Exempt

Salary: North Carolina Salary Schedule for School Psychologist (www.ncpublicschools.org) along with a local and DEC supplement based on years of experience

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees for this

job.

If offered a position, the prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test.

If your position requires you to work with preschool children, you must meet a federally mandated childcare background check and fingerprints that are in addition to and separate from the background check and fingerprints you completed as a new hire for GCS.

Qualifications