FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION OF UNIT : Works as a member of a multidisciplinary team with teachers, administrators, social workers, speech/language pathologists, audiologists, occupational and physical therapists. Uses a variety of assessment instruments in the areas of cognition, perception, personality, academic achievement, social and emotional behavior to arrive at diagnostic and prescriptive needs of student. Promotes the development of a positive multicultural learning environment which encourages student success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Uses a variety of appropriate psychological instruments and techniques to conduct non-biased assessment.
• Constructs comprehensive psychological reports which include intervention and remediation strategies to be used.
• Interprets results of assessment and share results with student, parent, school personnel and other appropriate professionals.
• Interviews, counsels and provides training to school staff and parents.
• Interprets federal, state and local laws relating on eligibility of special services to children.
• Provides individual or group counseling services to children and families.
• Monitors and accepts responsibility as part of a team for the well being and success of students.
• Constructs professional reports to agencies.
• Serves as a resource to other professional staff in areas of cognition, academic, social and emotional functioning of children.
• Completes yearly/monthly statistical reports on services provided to students.
• Integrates knowledge of all curricula into learning theories and translates that information to teachers and other school personnel.
• Provides consultation services to school personnel in the areas of retention, social grouping, learning styles, social skills, motivation, behavior management, peer interaction, goal setting, etc.

OTHER FUNCTIONS :

• Receives and reviews referrals from children's parent, school personnel, agencies, physician, judicial officers.
• Participates with other school personnel on issues relating to school climate.
• Attends departmental staff meetings, school faculty meetings, parent/teacher meetings.
• Participates in projects and activities recommended by school or central management.
• Writes proposals to secure grants for special projects or research programs.
• Participates in school community activities.
• Participates in departmental committees to promote best practices.
• Conducts training for parents in areas such as child development.
• Attends Committee on Special Education meetings.
• Participates in site based student assistance teams’ meetings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATION :

• Master’s degree in Psychology.
• New York State Certification in School Psychology.