School Psychologist at Northwest Georgia Charter Academy

The School Psychologist is directly responsible for the psychological assessment of academic, social, emotional, and behavioral domains utilizing problem-solving and standardized evaluations. The School Psychologist monitors the completion of case study evaluations and participates in Individual Education Plan (IEP) conferences and problem-solving meetings designing systems, programs and services that maximize students’ social, emotional, and educational success. In collaboration with staff, families, students, and communities the school psychologist promotes effective educational environments.

ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct psychological assessments and interpret results for students and participate in IEP conferences, team meetings, and problem-solving meetings
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy per IEP requirements
• Monitor completion of case study evaluations and participate in IEP conferences and problem solving meetings
• Lead crisis intervention efforts and provide insight into the development of functional assessments and behavior intervention plans
• Integrate psychological services into the classroom environment as appropriate
• Provide assistance to staff in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions and accommodations for students
• Evaluate and/or translate research into practice and understand research design and statistics in sufficient depth to plan and conduct investigations and program evaluations for improvement of services
• Contribute to program development that furthers the integration of social, coping, and problem solving in the classroom
• Provide support services to parents/guardians as needed
• Coordinate and/or collaborate with a range of individuals/agencies to promote and provide comprehensive services to students and families
• Provide and/or assist in professional development for staff, parents, and/or community
• Participate in professional growth activities on a yearly basis as needed
• Proficiently use technology to communicate, compile reports, and collect data
• Participate in building or program activities and meetings as appropriate

PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Certain professional and personal characteristics are essential for success. The School Psychologist must:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior consistent with the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators
• Exhibit a passion for teaching and a belief in the potential of every child
• Communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and families
• Maintain flexibility, adaptability, and composure in a dynamic learning environment
• Collaborate productively with peers and contribute positively to the school community
• Display a growth mindset, embracing feedback and pursuing continuous professional growth
• Model empathy, patience, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Credentials

• Appropriate GA license/certification
• Knowledge of methods of assessment; systematic processes to collect data, translate assessment results into empirically based decisions about service delivery and evaluate outcomes of services
• Knowledge of learning processes, appropriate instructional interventions to meet students’ needs, and the ability to implement and assess their effectiveness
• Knowledge of behavioral mental health, collaborative and/or consultation models and methods and their application

Preferred Credentials

• Prior experience as a school psychologist in a public/charter school

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Participate in ongoing training/professional learning to include the EL model of the school
• Demonstrate punctuality, reliability, and adherence to school policies and procedures
• Adhere to professional dress code and conduct standards
• Serve as a mandated reporter of child abuse or neglect

WORKING CONDITIONS & DEMANDS OF THE JOB

Mental and Physical Ongoing Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions/deadlines and prolonged or irregular hours; Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.

Mental and Physical Occasional Demands: Lifting and carrying 10-25 pounds frequently, 25-40 pounds occasionally; may be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others; travel to other locations as needed for training, supervision, or school events.

Environmental Ongoing Factors: Frequent exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise.

Environmental Occasional Factors: Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.)

WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

• Part-time per week as contracted to fulfill student needs