2018-2019: School Psychologist

 
About Caliber Schools Caliber's Mission is to achieve educational equity by shifting the experiences, expectations and outcomes for students in historically underserved communities. Our strengths-based educational program validates, affirms, respects and supports students, families and staff members to reach their full potential. Caliber graduates will be academically college ready ; have emotional intelligence or 'EQ'; be critical thinkers , and have the skills and desire to be changemakers in their communities and the world.
Caliber's four graduate pillars--Heart, Smart, Think, Act--guide our work. Caliber teaches computer science as a core academic subject K-8th grade to directly challenge the inequitable presence of women and underrepresented minorities in the computer science industry. We are a community-basedorganization and celebrate the diversity of the communities we serve.  Our parents are active partners; frequently engaging through school events, restorative practices, and academic support.
We are looking for educators and leaders who want the opportunity to use their voice to build something new; to be a part of a team that's building something from the ground up. Our first school, Beta Academy in Richmond, CA, opened in 2014 and is now a fully grown K-8 serving 800 students.  ChangeMakers Academy in Vallejo, CA opened in fall 2016.  ChangeMakers now serves almost 500 students, TK-4th and 6th/7th grades and will be fully grown in 2018. We plan to open additional schools in 2018-2021 as we grow to nearly 4,000 seats K-12 in the Bay Area.
Position Summary In order to fulfill our mission, we are seeking a highly qualified school psychologist who will serve as a member of our academic team.  This position will work under the direction of  the Director of Special Education. You will work at ChangeMakers Academy in Vallejo.
*Please note that this role is for the 2018-2019 school year. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis according to need and candidate experience. 
Primary Responsibilities
Data Driven Planning and Assessment

• Select and administer appropriate assessment methods and materials in order to perform evaluations of students referred for special education assessment
• Collect, interpret, and synthesize information about students' sensory motor/perceptual functioning, academic achievement, intelligence, social emotional/emotional adjustment, and other factors that influence academic and behavioral functioning.
• Interpret assessment results and write quality, compliant psychological assessment reports

• Assist in the development of FBAs and BIPs for students and in the implementation of recommended courses of action based on data and progress monitoring across educational environments
• Demonstrate progress monitoring strategies as part of the individual student  intervention plans, and assist staff in interpreting data as part of the ongoing decision-making process.

Learning Experience 

• Provide direct counseling or behavioral services to students as needed
• Consult with teachers and parents regarding early intervention activities in the classroom and home
• Work with team members and service providers to set realistic goals, design appropriate intervention strategies and utilize progress monitoring procedures, using multiple data sources across a variety of learning environments
• Assist in the coordination and management of mental health services for families and students with needs

• Serve as a member of each school's interdisciplinary assessment team and work as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet student's needs
• Assist in providing consultation and advisement to administrators, teachers, and parents regarding psychological services and the academic, psychological, social emotional or behavioral needs of students

Case Management 

• Conduct specialized individual and group counseling sessions to address specific emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students.
• Monitor the evaluation and reevaluation process
• Consult with teachers and other school personnel to obtain information regarding  the reason for referral.

• Gather background information on the student's psychological history by conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records.
• Seek Parental Consent for MediCal billing, when necessary
• Upload assessment reports to SEIS upon completion of documents and once all due diligence efforts made
• Maintain a compliant practice

Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in the pre-referral process and provide guidance to school teams regarding Tiered Intervention supports for struggling students
• Serve as a member of each school's interdisciplinary assessment team and works as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet student's special needs
• Attend IEP meetings; present assessment findings to the team
• When necessary, act as a member of the Coordination of Services Team (COST) to provide intervention to students
• Apply ethics and standards of professional practice in the delivery of school psychological services and observes relevant laws and policies that govern practice.
• Actively seek and participate in professional development opportunities to remain current with federal and state special education guidelines
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, and administrative guidelines
• Assist in the implementation of assessment recommendations as needed
• Assist in providing training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.

• Assist in providing in-service training in learning, child development and child    management to parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals and paraprofessionals
• Maintain strict student and parent confidentiality

Partnerships, Family and Community

• Consult and collaborate with educational staff regarding students with emotional, behavioral, cognitive and learning difficulties, in accordance with all directives, standards, procedures, policies, laws, rules, regulations, codes and guidelines
• Provide information, support, and counseling to families of students with special needs.
• Assist in coordinating, communicating and seeking consultation with community  agencies as appropriate.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of 3 years' experience as credentialed School Psychologist, working with students in TK-12
• Experience working with English Language Learners
• Experience working with diverse populations in urban or low-income communities

• Organization, time management and follow-up skills; ability to
  successfully handle multiple cases concurrently
• Successful experience working in a collaborative environment
• Ability to maintain records, meet schedule and compliance deadlines
• Relationship building skills and ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, parents, other school personnel
• Ability to be flexible and adaptive in a work environment that is still evolving
• Growth mindset and the ability to use feedback to refine practice

Values: 
Caliber staff...

• are committed to a culture of feedback, development and continuous improvement.
• validate and affirm the identities, strengths and passions of each person.
• know that It is everyone's collective responsibility to work in service of and alongside our school communities.
• approach situations and people with empathy and kindness.

Education

• Valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential
• Valid School Psychologist Intern Credential acceptable for right candidate
• Bachelor; Master's degree in School Psychology or related field preferred
• Bilingual, Spanish (strongly preferred)
• CPI Certification (desirable)
• Possession of valid California driver's license; willingness to provide own  transportation in conduct of work assignments; to travel between school sites to work with students, staff and families at different sites

Salary scales are based on years of experience and expertise. Scales are competitive with other charter school organizations and local districts.
More information about Caliber Schools can be found at www.caliberschools.org .
Caliber Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.