School Psychologist
DC West, a growing Class C-1 school district located on the western edge of Omaha, is now accepting applications for the following certified openings for the 2021-2022 school year:
• School Psychologist
Department: Special Education
Education Level and Certification: Graduate degree (at least two years of additional study beyond bachelors: Masters + 36 or Doctorate) from an accredited school psychology program and 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 including supervised internship as required by NDE Rule 24.
Reports To: Special Education Director and Building Principals
Performance Responsibilities and Job Tasks
- Compile and interpret student’s test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Assess individual students’ needs, limitations, and potential; using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests. Evaluate eligibility for special services in accordance with NDE Rule 51.
- Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as research-based interventions and educational practices.
- Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
- Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
- Counsel students to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
- Provide input for individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Serve as a resource to help schools and students deal with crises, such as separation and loss.
- Refer students to appropriate community agencies for services.
- Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.
- Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
- Utilize resources to effectively communicate with others with different communication abilities (e.g. non-English speaking, hearing impaired).
- Participate in team meetings for the development of IEPs and 504 Plans and provide input for IEPs and 504 Plan accommodations for students.
- Participate in faculty committees and activities as assigned.
- Participate in professional activities and staff development as assigned and as needed to maintain professional competence and to perform duties.
- Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and parents.
- Develop and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with other staff and administration.
- Provide for proper care, maintenance, and reasonable security of all District property in the School Psychologist’s custody.
- Utilize instructional materials and other resources in a competent and effective manner, including computer, e-mail, and other technology to perform assigned duties.
- Adhere to all district policies, rules, regulations, and supervisor directives.
- Maintain confidentiality of information concerning staff, students, and parents in accordance with law and District rules.
- 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.
Perform other tasks or duties as assigned by the Board, the Superintendent, or the supervisor.
Working Conditions
- Inside; some classrooms and areas are not air conditioned.
- May be required to deal with distraught students/parents; may be exposed to infectious diseases.
- Required to travel and be able to provide own transportation to assigned schools, community agencies, and other work-related sites.
FLSA Status: Exempt. Professional exemption: The employee has a primary duty of performing work requiring knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction and study or has a primary duty of teaching, tutoring, instructing, or lecturing in the activity of imparting knowledge and is employed and engaged in this activity as a teacher.
EOE