Diagnostician/ School Psychologist

Position:: School Psychologist
Supervisor:: Director of Student Support Services
Work Site:: Central Consolidated Administrative Complex or Assigned School

Summary:: Improve the academic and behavioral performance of students through the provision of assessment and consultative services to the local education agencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct psychological and psycho-educational assessments to include fair and non-discriminatory evaluation of the areas of: personality; emotional status; social skills and adjustment; intelligence and cognitive functioning; scholastic aptitude; functional and adaptive behavior; language and communication skills; academic knowledge and achievement; sensory and perceptual-motor functioning; family, environmental, and cultural influences; level of acculturation; career and vocational development; aptitude; and interests in a timely manner.
• Prepare psychological and psychoeducational assessment reports to include summary of pertinent pre-diagnostic information, summary of test administered and results, student strengths and weaknesses and suggested areas of appropriate intervention, complete minimum of 75 evaluation per school year.
• Attend required Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), Eligibility, Review of Existing Evaluation Data(REED), Reevaluation, Manifestation Determination Review meetings, parent conferences, teacher conferences and in-service training.
• Maintain information relative to education assessments, state and federal regulations and district requirements and competency level relative to school psychology and diagnostic procedures.
• Collaborate and provide consultation with families, school personnel, and community-based professionals in designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions that effectively respond to the educational and mental health needs of students to improve performance and success.
• Utilize formal assessments, procedures, and techniques such as interviews, observations, and behavioral evaluations.
• Provide risk assessment to referred students in the district
• Attend scheduled staff meetings and committee meetings as required
• Provide consultation to school personnel to develop academic and behavioral intervention strategies to improve student performance and success.
• Communicate timely, accurately, and effectively with parents and staff; provide assistance and support for students in a variety of educational settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Promote an environment/climate conducive to productive performance.
• Plan for and manage the resources for which he/she is responsible: Supplies and materials, equipment, caseloads, and time.
• Use supervision, staff development, and performance evaluation to improve student support.

? Participate in case staffing as requested by the supervisor.

? Maintain knowledge of most current and relevant developments in the field of school psychology and special education as it pertains to this job description.

? Possess knowledge of current assessment tools recommended for use with a multicultural student population.

? Possess or develop cross-cultural assessment skills that are applicable in a multicultural setting.

• Provide psychological counselling as required based on services if indicated in IEP.
• Conduct threat assessment.

? Complete and submit all necessary documents related to evaluations in accordance to federal, state, and district guidelines for compliance.

• Knowledgeable about each criteria requirement for every exceptionality.
• Knowledgeable about New Mexico standards for special education and use of TEAM Manual.
• Participate in and provide In-service training as requested by the supervisor.
• Cooperate and assist with institutions of higher education in the training of students in school psychology when appropriate.
• Attend workshops and in-service, to stay abreast of changes in standards, assessment strategies, and research findings.
• Drive from school to school to attend meetings. Evaluate students in their community school.
• Maintain confidentiality with sensitive matters and treat people with respect and dignity.
• Work with a wide variety of individuals in a highly stressful environment.
• Be flexible and able to prioritize tasks and maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Comply with all Board of Education policies, administrative regulations, Public Education Department guidelines and local, state and federal laws.
• Support district and school efforts to keep CCSD safe and secure.
• Complete and comply with all required training annually.
• Adhere to NM Code of Ethical Responsibility of the Education Profession (NMAC 6.60.9.8)
• Other responsibilities and duties assigned by supervisor

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or Doctorate
• NM PED School Psychologist License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Dine language, culture, and history preferred
• Good communication skills and customer service skills

Physical/Job Requirements:
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying up to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, reaching, kneeling, driving a vehicle, traveling long distances, writing, typing, word processing, reading, researching information, and effective communication skills.

Safety and Health:

• Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions
• Completed and cleared background check
• Pass drug test if required for position
• Knowledge and compliance with district and school Safety Plans

Equipment/Material Handled:

• Multimedia equipment, including current technology
• Equipment/materials relevant to the job responsibilities
• Valid driver license and insurable by district if necessary

Work Environment:

• Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature and air quality
• Work interruptions
• Flexibility
• Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision
• Must complete applications and assignments within the timeframes allowed
• Extended work hours, on occasion
• Each psychologist will be provided one permanent office space. A room conducive to conducting valid assessments will be provided at each assigned school
• Visit the home or work site of patents to conduct interviews or collect assessment data, as needed
• Willing to be assigned district wide.

Term of Employment:

• Exempt