ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arlington, MA 02176

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:            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 in IEP 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.

Assists team in understanding impact of disability on learning and provides language to support a strong and clear statement of impact.

Summarizes 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, and  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/TAT/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.

Brings 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 Director or Designee

SALARY/BENEFITS:  In accordance with AEA Unit A Contract

The Arlington Public Schools are committed to creating an inclusive and safe learning and working environment that reflects a diversity of perspectives, values, and experiences. We welcome 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. We are 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.