School Psychologist

Qualifications

• Licensure or certification as a school psychologist (e.g., CAGS) in Massachusetts or equivalent (e.g., licensed clinical or educational psychologist)
• Experience participating at Team Meetings
• Strong knowledge of psychological and educational testing
• Computer software competency, with particular focus on Special Education Database Software
• Experience in developing and/or supporting building based student support programs
• Strong report writing skills

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluations/Assessment
• Advises Team Chair regarding appropriate evaluations for initial and re-evaluation consents.
• Conducts all necessary psychological testing.
• Conducts educational testing for initial evaluations and reevaluations and as requested by Coordinator or team chair.
• Completes assigned evaluations within mandated timelines.
• Reports are provided to Team Chairs at least four (4) school days prior to the Team Meeting.
• The Team Chair will make all reports available to parents/guardians at least two (2) school days prior to the Team Meeting.
• Team Meetings/IEP process
• Participates in team meetings to present and interpret psychological evaluation results.
• Collaborates with Team in making recommendations.
• Aids team in understanding impact of disability on learning and provides language to support a strong and clear statement of impact.
• Sums up key results for Team Chair.
• Provides information regarding accommodations and/or modifications (PLEP A and B).
• Helps identify educationally relevant and required services.
• Adheres to entrance/exit criteria for programs and services.
• District Procedures
• Follows district Special Education procedures and protocols, including placement, TA, counseling protocols.
• Attends and participates in district-wide special education department activities.
• Attends and participates in district-wide professional development activities as directed by Assistant Superintendent or Director of Special Education.
• Building Based Responsibilities
• Participates in weekly SST/learning team meetings, where applicable.
• Participates in relevant consultation meetings.
• Participates in monthly building based special education department meetings.
• Consults to principals, building-based staff and specialized programs.
• Attends building meetings in schools served to the extent possible.
• Provides crisis intervention/support as needed.
• Consults to general and special educators, related service staff and parents regarding student support, management and other needs.
• Communication
• Consults with parents, teachers/service providers, outside agencies with regard to assessments, as needed.
• Bridges concerns and questions regarding students, parents, services, procedures, etc., to team chair or principal in a timely manner.
• Follows central office initiatives, procedures and directives as communicated by Team Chair, presented at district-wide department meetings, or otherwise provided (memo, e-mail).
• Takes responsibility for keeping current caseloads and acting in accordance with district policies and procedures.
• Provides central office with an updated service schedule on a monthly basis.
• Other responsibilities
• As determined by Superintendent and the Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

• Per Arlington Education Association (AEA) Unit A Contract, 183 Days
• REPORTS TO: Special Education Coordinator and Building Administrator
• DESE Licensure as School Psychologist is required

Arlington Public Schools Commitment

• Creates an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences.
• Welcome to staff who are aware of the role that bias and prejudice play in society, are creative and willing to try new approaches, and are reflective about their daily practice.
• Looking for candidates who welcome a challenge, are eager to collaborate and contribute to the success of students, are ready to engage in two-way partnership with families, and who will contribute their diverse talents to the organization as a whole.