WESTSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

909 South 76th Street

Omaha, NE 68114

Position Available for 2020-2021 School Year

POSITION TITLE:  School Psychologist or Qualified School Psychologist Intern                              

FLSA:  Exempt Professional

QUALIFICATIONS:                        

Graduate degree (at least two years of additional study beyond bachelors: Masters + 36 or Doctorate) from an accredited school psychology program and eligible for an internship in the field for direct experience as required by NDE Rule 24. Must possess, at all times during employment, either: (1) a Nebraska Department of Education Special Services Certificate with an endorsement in School Psychology or (2) or a license to practice psychology in Nebraska issued by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services with completion of the academic requirements and field experience as required by NDE Rule 24.                                                                        

REPORTS TO:  Director of Special Services and building Principal(s)

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB TASKS:

1. Compile and interpret student’s test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions, and to help assess eligibility for special services.
2. Prepare, schedule and conduct MDT meetings on or before the anniversary date. Complete the MDT report according to district timeline guidelines.
3. Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
4. Assess individual students’ needs, limitations, and potential; using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
5. Select, administer, and score psychological tests. Evaluate eligibility for special services in accordance with NDE Rule 51.
6. Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
7. Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
8. Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
9. Counsel students to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
10. Collaborate with teachers and other staff members in the development of individualized education plans and 504 Plans.
11. Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
12. Serve as a resource to help schools and students deal with crises, such as separation and loss.
13. Assist with designing programming to meet the needs of special students.
14. Refer students to appropriate community agencies for services.
15. Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.
16. Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
17. Promote effective classroom management and teaching strategies.
18. Utilize resources to effectively communicate with others with different communication abilities (e.g. non-English speaking, hearing impaired).
19. Participate in faculty committees and activities as assigned.
20. Participate in professional activities and staff development as assigned and as needed to maintain professional competence and to perform duties.
21. Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and parents.
22. Develop and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with other staff and administration.
23. Provide for proper care, maintenance, and reasonable security of all District property in the School Psychologist’s custody.
24. Utilize instructional materials and other resources in a competent and effective manner, including computer, e-mail, and other technology to perform assigned duties.
25. Adhere to all district policies, rules, regulations, and supervisor directives.
26. Maintain confidentiality of information concerning staff, students, and parents in accordance with law and District rules.
27. Adhere to the code of ethics of the District and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE Rule 27), and the code of ethics established by the National Association of School Psychologists as set forth in the Professional Conduct Manual, Principles for Professional Ethics, Guidelines for the Provision of School Psychological Services. The School Psychologist must serve as a positive role model for staff and students.
28. Perform other tasks or duties as assigned by the Board, the Superintendent, or the supervisor.

Required Employee Characteristics

The School Psychologist is to possess and exhibit the following characteristics:

1. Cooperation—Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
2. Attention to Detail—Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
3. Dependability—Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable and fulfilling obligations.
4. Integrity—Job requires being honest and ethical.
5. Concern for Others—Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
6. Self Control—Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
7. Stress Tolerance—Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
8. Adaptability/Flexibility—Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
9. Independence—Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
10. Initiative—Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
11. Analytical Thinking—Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
12. Social Orientation—Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Working Conditions

1. Inside
2. May be assigned to multiple buildings.
3. May be required to deal with distraught students/parents; may be exposed to infectious diseases.
4. Required to travel and be able to provide own transportation to assigned schools, community agencies, and other work-related sites.

Essential Functions: The essential functions of the School Psychologist position include: (1) regular, dependable attendance on the job; (2) the ability to perform the identified tasks and to possess and utilize the identified knowledge, skills, and abilities and to perform the identified work activities; and, (3) the ability to perform identified physical requirements.

Application Procedure:
Apply online here

Westside Community Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer