School Psychologist (Immediate Start - SY 21-22)

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (SY 21-22)

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

The School Psychologist will work consistently and creatively to meet the needs of all students, be responsible for academic advising and student socialization, collaborate on the Child Study Team, and partner with School Leaders and campus-based Special Education teams to provide related professional development to teachers and staff.

The school psychologist has expertise in determining a child’s level of cognitive and conceptual development by administering standard psychological evaluations for the purpose of assessing the intellectual, educational, emotional, social, and behavioral characteristics of those students referred.  They will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals, to create safe and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections for all students.  The school psychologist will provide counseling, crisis intervention, planning and developing school-based interventions with educators, and assessing the need for special services.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Administer psychological tests (particularly individual psychological tests of psychological functioning, cognitive development, affective behavior and neuropsychological status)
  • Interview students, parents, teachers and/or appropriate staff members
  • Conduct observations of students
  • Fulfill the required duties of a school psychologist as a basic member of the Child Study Team including case management
  • Assist the Child Study Team in diagnosing student psychological status.
  • Assist the Child Study Team in determining special education eligibility
  • Make recommendations based on findings
  • Assist in determining appropriate educational goals - long and short term
  • Confer with the appropriate teacher(s) to jointly write an I.E.P. appropriate to the student's needs
  • Meet with student's parent(s) to discuss and familiarize them with the Child Study Team findings
  • Explain placement procedures and rationale behind I.E.P. to parent/ s) or parental designate obtaining their written consent
  • Review and implement procedures for referral of students with perceived special educational needs
  • Intervene, when necessary, to facilitate functioning of individuals or groups using prescribed educational counseling techniques
  • Serve as a referral consultant for discipline cases when requested by building principal
  • Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
  • Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
  • Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
  • Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
  • Commit to professional growth
  • Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the Staff Handbook
  • Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core values and educational philosophy
  • Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school

Qualifications

  • New Jersey school psychologist certification or certification of eligibility required
  • Possession of master’s degree in psychology or closely related field
  • Evidence of knowledge of special education programming and experience working with students with exceptional needs
  • Urban school-based psychologist work experience with evidence of measurable student growth
  • Excellent verbal and written skills in communicating with diverse audiences
  • Experience managing assessment data
  • Openness to feedback, and willingness to take responsibility for student success
  • Demonstrated commitment to professional comportment
  • Attention to detail
  • Flexibility under pressure
  • BCBA certified preferred
  • Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
  • Proven track-record of high achievement
  • Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
  • Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.