School Psychologist

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

TITLE: School Psychologist

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Building Principal and Director of Student Services, the school psychologist helps children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Collaboration with team chair, educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all students that strengthen connections between home and school.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The School Psychologist will:

1. conduct evaluations, prepare and present evaluation reports, and participate in the Team meeting process.
2. provide counseling/therapeutic services for students as determined by the Team.
3. serve as a collaborative member of the Team and provide support and consultation with general and special education teachers, support staff, counselors, and related service providers.
4. complete all of the appropriate State Mandated Special Education forms in compliance with mandated timelines.
5. conduct psychological and educational assessments and assist staff in the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
6. determine and conduct assessments needed for initial and re-evaluation determination of special education.
7. prepare and present professional reports from assessments as part of the Team process.
8. assist in the development and writing of individualized educational programs (IEP), as part of the TEAM process.
9. participate in Functional Behavioral Assessments and assist in the development and implementation of Student Behavior Plans. 
10. maintain professional competence through in-service education and self-selected professional growth activities.
11. provide responsive and empathetic support to students, as needed, including during times of emotional dysregulation or crisis, within a safe learning environment aligned with evidence-based trauma-informed practices.
12. assume responsibilities as might be assigned by the Building Principal, Assistant Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, and/or the Superintendent of Schools.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience in providing individual and group counseling and social skills services
2. Is knowledgeable of the state and national special education and confidentiality laws and regulations and complies with all regulations and timelines.
3. Willing to submit to a medical examination.
4. Demonstrated ability to relate favorably with students despite the inappropriate behaviors they may sometimes manifest.
5. Must profess a sincere concern for and optimism to assist young people.
6. Must be a person with professional competence and personal integrity.
7. Must possess effective verbal and written communication skills and well-developed interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to work collaboratively with parents, students, and staff.

SKILLS/ABILITY: 

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills
2. Working knowledge of state and federal special education laws, regulations, and mandates
3. Work collaboratively with staff, parents, administrators. 
4. Excellent organizational skills
5. Knowledge of and ability to implement social skills groups. 
6. Ability to implement and utilize positive behavioral intervention strategies.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES and/or DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

1. A degree from an institution approved by the State Board of Education will be required, in addition to a background of experience, which is broad and varied.
2. The applicant must have completed at least one semester of full-time supervised clinical experience in counseling and the administration of psychological testing.
3. Must submit a valid license to practice in the State of Massachusetts. SEI Endorsement Course Required.

SALARY: Per BTA Contract

CLASSIFICATION: BTA

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

You are required to be physically capable of escorting students from the building in case of a practice drill or emergency situation in a safe and timely fashion.

Must be able to move about the classroom and have the ability to bend, sit or stand frequently.

REPORTS TO: Building Principal and Director of Student Services

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: ___

OUR MISSION:

The Bellingham Public School District’s enrollment is approximately 1,930 students and an organizational staff of 400 employees.  The district is split into the following building grade levels:

DiPietro Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3), Stall Brook Elementary (Preschool – Grade 3) Bellingham Memorial School (grades 4-7) and Bellingham High School (grades 8-12), and Keough Memorial Academy (grades 7-12) is our therapeutic day school for students with special needs.

Our core mission is to foster an environment in which students and staff have opportunities to reach their full potential. The Bellingham School District is committed to providing a challenging and academically motivating education where all students, staff and families accept responsibility for education within their schools. 

The School Committee and the Administrative Team support the District Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.  Our goal is to always reach for our vision:  The Bellingham Public Schools, in collaboration with students, their families, and the community, will provide a safe learning environment, where the unique strengths of every learner are enhanced and celebrated.  We will work together to build a shared sense of pride in the Bellingham Public Schools by amplifying academic excellence, increasing communication, cultivating a positive climate, improving social and emotional well-being, and enhancing technology use and implementation. 

Discrimination disclaimer should be a footer on all postings

The Bellingham Public Schools does not discriminate in its admissions and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, housing status, political affiliation, genetic information, or disability, in accordance with state and federal law. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of homelessness, consistent with the McKinney-Vento Act.  

The District prohibits retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination, harassment and/or who participate in an Equal Opportunity Commission investigation. If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator at 4 Mechanic Street, Bellingham, MA 02019, Phone Number: 508-883-1706.