Job Description:

Our Mission: We create learning experiences that promote a sense of purpose, ignite passion, and foster a sense of pride.

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Job Summary:

The School Psychologist is responsible for use of psychological theories, principles, and skills in order to:  observe and evaluate human behavior, facilitate behavioral change, assume collaborative roles with general and special education teachers, administrators, other school personnel, and parents in the areas of child development, education, mental health, program and curriculum development, staff inservice development, counseling, educational research, and other relevant areas.

General Statement of Duties:

Conduct multi-factored psychological and psychoeducational assessments of children and adolescents as appropriate.  Assessments include evaluation in the areas of intelligence, adaptive behavior, academic achievement, language and communication skills, sensory and perceptual-motor functioning, social/emotional adaptation, environmental/cultural influences, and vocational development, aptitude and interest using formal and informal instruments, procedures and techniques.

Conduct all evaluations with explicit regard for the ethical standards established for the profession, and maintain regard for principles of non-biased assessment.

Consult and collaborate with parents, school community and outside personnel regarding mental health, development, behavioral, educational and personal adjustment concerns; provide inservice and other skill enhancement activities.

Design and develop procedures for preventing disorders, promoting mental health and learning, and improving the educational system; design programs to enhance cognitive, academic, affective, social and vocational development.                                                                                

Provide direct and indirect interventions to facilitate the functioning of individuals, groups, and/or the educational system; develop positive, productive relationships with students.

Facilitate the delivery of services by assisting those who play major roles in the educational system (i.e., parents, school personnel, community agencies); such interventions consist of but are not limited to:  individual and group counseling of students, inservice training, parent advisement, program planning and evaluation, vocational development, and parent education programs.

Provide information and insight about community agencies and resources, and serve as a liaison to same regarding psychological, mental health, and educational issues; communicate as needed with state and community agencies and professionals (e.g., child guidance clinics, community mental health centers, private practitioners) regarding services for children, families, and school personnel; refer clients to these agencies and professionals as appropriate; adhere to department policies and practices regarding outside contacts.

Participate in agency meetings on cases involving district clients.

Serve as a member of Interdisciplinary Teams.

Participate on Planning and Placement teams as deemed necessary by PPT Coordinators.

Work in a cooperative, collegial fashion with the district’s educators while assisting them in understanding the role of School Psychologist.

Incorporate the principles of Mastery Teaching, as appropriate to the field, in sessions with students.

Participate on district committees in areas which are relevant to the field or role of School Psychologist.

Enhance professional knowledge and remain current in the field and in assessment by participating in professional development experiences; maintain professional and ethical standards as set forth by the National Association of School Psychology 

Carry out assignments as  specified by the Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Qualifications:

Must possess or be eligible for School Psychologist Connecticut certification. (070)

Ability to relate successfully with staff, families and students from diverse backgrounds, experiences and skill levels.

Successful experience working with primary age children.

Experience with or knowledge of developmentally appropriate, activity-based teaching and learning.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Strong leadership abilities and legal knowledge of educational law

Ability to work effectively with others.

Ability to handle and lead staff during crisis situations. 

Terms of Employment: 

Position to begin at the start of the 2024-2025 school year.  Salary and benefits in accordance with the negotiated agreement between the Berlin Board of Education and the Berlin Education Association; MA Step 1 $57,034 -  P.h.D. Max $108,038.