POSITION: School Psychologist

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: Psychological Services Office - Department of Student Services

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Psychological Services

REVISION / REVIEW DATE: May 25, 2016

JOB CODE:105

UNION: PGCEA

CLASSIFICATION: PGCEA

GRADE: 2-7

POSITION SUMMARY:The School Psychologist works within the school system, utilizing their specialized knowledge in education law, instruction, mental health and cognitive functioning and working with educators, parents and other mental health professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. The services provided by school psychologists assure positive interaction between instructional programming and the individual student’s unique development and learning style. School Psychologists tailor their services to the particular needs of each child and situation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administers psychological tests and interprets assessment results for the purpose of diagnosis and placement;

Provides individual and group counseling and other mental health services as appropriate;

Participates in interdisciplinary team and individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings;

Assists in planning programs that meet the special needs of the students;

Works with children and youth who have a variety of disabilities;

Assists with developing IEP’s for special education students;

Acts as a liaison with community agencies that provide services to children;

Attends departmental meetings and continues professional development programs;

Serves on office, departmental and/or system committees;

Provides consultation to teachers, parents and school staff;

Develops programs and workshops;

Assists to develop Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans;

Assists students, families and schools deal with crisis;

Assists to develop school-wide initiatives to make schools safer and create a more supportive learning environment; and

QUALIFICATIONS

Meets educational and certification requirements and qualifying scores on the State-approved test for school psychologist;

Excellent human relation skills;

Excellent oral and written communications skills; and

Excellent organizational skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   Master’s or higher degree in school psychology from a State-approved program; or a master’s or higher degree and complete a State-approved program in school psychology, culminating a minimum of a 1,200-hour internship in school psychology; and meet qualifying scores on the State-approved test for school psychologist.      

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   Possession of or eligible for a Maryland School Psychologist’s Certificate; or possession of or eligible for Certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP), issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board; or a valid professional certificate in school psychology from another state and verification of at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a school psychologist during the past 7 years on the basis of which application is being made for a comparable Maryland certificate.      

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.

Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772