School Psychologist for the 2024-2025 school year - Walla Walla Public Schools

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The School Psychologist provides case consultation on psychological/educational issues for students who have, or are suspected of having educational disabilities. As a part of the evaluation team, the Psychologist assesses students in areas for which they are exclusively trained: cognitive, academic, functional, behavioral, social, emotional and curriculum-based assessments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Build a foundation of positive relationships, high expectations, equitable systems, and SEL-informed practices, which will drive daily practices and beliefs when working with students.
2. Knowledge of principles and research related to resilience and risk factors in learning and mental health, and ability to apply services in schools and communities to support multi-tiered prevention (Response to Intervention, Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports, Restorative Practices)
3. Conduct assessments (including curriculum-based) and interpret results for special education eligibility.
4. Understand and comply with current legislation and regulations for special education
5. Participate as a resource in the development of IEP's and monitoring them for accuracy
6. Assist in program development in collaboration with other professionals who provide services to children within the school and community
7. Provide direction and support to classroom staff in implementing individually designed programs
8. Provide case management when appropriate
9. Apply current psychological research in an educational setting
10. Support student's social, behavioral and academic skill development
11. Assist in creating positive classroom environments
12. Design, implement, and evaluate individual and group interventions
13. Conduct functional behavior assessments where required
14. Assist teachers in the implementation of academic and behavioral intervention programs
15. Participate in the research, planning and implementation of school wide programs
16. Support Tier I implementation and support the design of interventions
17. Lead the collection and analysis of student data
18. Analyze grades, discipline referrals, academic progress, and the effects of intervention programs
19. Collaborate in student progress monitoring at the building level
20. Act as a liaison for students who transition to/from community learning environments
21. Other duties as assigned
22. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, administrators, parents, support groups, governmental and community service agencies, involving these groups in assessment, intervention and evaluation.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to the Director of Special Education and building administrators as appropriate.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree from an approved school psychology program and successful completion of all assigned practicum and internship requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Knowledge of SEL practices and approaches.
• Knowledge of state/federal regulations regarding the identification and placement of students in special education/ 504.
• Knowledge of current theories and methodologies of effective instructional intervention, and behavior modification.
• Knowledge of community resources and family service agencies.
• Knowledge of current district and state assessments, and graduation requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with a variety of students, staff, and community in a multicultural, and diverse socio-economic setting.
• Ability to participate collaboratively in teams.
• Ability to maintain state and federal special education compliance requirements including timelines.
• Ability to organize records effectively and effectively integrate technology resources.
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility in scheduling time with individuals and groups in varying circumstances.
• Knowledge of human developmental process and techniques to assess these processes in the areas of socialization and developmental life skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
• Valid Washington State ESA certification in School Psychology.
• Valid Washington State driver’s License and access to personal transportation.
• Completed employment application/background check.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.

PAY LEVEL

Walla Walla Public Schools Teachers Salary Schedule, Retirement, SEEB Benefits, Paid Sick Leave

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities.  For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000.   The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator                                                   

Title IX Coordinator                                               Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR                                Michelle Carpenter, Director of Strategic Initiatives

364 S. Park Street                                                   364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362                                             Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000                                                       (509) 527-3000

mmeyer@wwps.org                                                  mcarpenter@wwps.org