General Function
The Early Childhood School Psychologist shall be responsible for providing diagnostic services to children birth – elementary aged students who are suspected of being disabled and/or are disabled.
Position Qualifications
- Specialist or Doctorate degree in school psychology.
- Valid State of Michigan approval to function in the specific discipline area.
- Experience working with and evaluating children birth to elementary age with behavior and cognitive deficits.
- Experience or training in making accommodations for student with varying impairments.
- Extensive knowledge of current trends, supports and assistive technologies available and recommended for students with a wide range of different disabilities.
- Extensive knowledge of common behavioral supports to use with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other behavioral disorders.
Other Qualifications
- Solid organizational and planning skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to work as a member of a team and contribute to the agency vision and goals.
- Able to demonstrate confidentiality in all matters.
- Positive leadership skills.
- Must complete and pass required criminal history check.
Essential Duties
Essential duties shall include, but are not limited to:
- Provide a trauma responsive approach to whole child multi-disciplinary team evaluations.
- Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary evaluation team to assist in the evaluation of the educational needs of persons suspected of having a disability.
- Assist in the development of present level of academic achievement and functional performance as required for Individualized Education Plan or Individualized Family Support Plans which can be used in the classroom, school building, home, and community, as appropriate.
- Complete and present a written evaluation report to parents/guardians and local educational agencies within a required timeline.
- Keep apprised of new materials and methods of instruction and provide academic and behavioral support and modification of instructional materials for classroom teachers and families with the focus on improved student outcomes.
- Work and communicate effectively with teachers, classroom staff, principles, family members and other support services personnel.
- Improve assessment procedures, programs and services for students with various disabilities.
- Initiate and maintain regular contact with parents regarding student progress, program activities and available community resources.
- Develop and implement training and ongoing staff development for both general education and special education staff and parents/guardians.
- Establish and maintain appropriate records, reports, forms, and procedures.
- Consultation with caseload providers and assistants regarding academic, accommodations, behavioral, and social accommodations and support plans.
- Consultation with parents/caregivers regarding school/home concerns.
- Coordination of services for the purpose of student staffing. Staff training in the areas of universal strategies, transition supports, and academic accommodations/modifications.
- Classroom and in-home observations to aide in the Child Study/Student Intervention process.
- Perform other duties deemed appropriate by the Director of Special Education Services.
Relationships and Commitment
The Early Childhood School Psychologist shall demonstrate commitment to the mission of the Newaygo County RESA through:
- Adherence to and enforcement of agency policies and administrative regulations.
- Performance resulting in quality outcomes.
- Performance resulting in internal and external consumer satisfaction.
- Continuous personal and professional improvement and development.
- Positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues and consumers.
- Continuously improving performance through internal and external evaluation.
- Exhibiting the mental/physical ability and stamina to meet essential duties of the position.
- Supporting the agency and department in the Continuous Improvement Plan, including all guiding principles, strategic directions, and service expectations.
- Acting as a resource, if needed, to employees, students, and the public visiting the NC RESA.
- Possessing knowledge of NC RESA’s organization, mission, and philosophy.
Other Required Skills
- Able to communicate effectively (language skills).
- Able to work with mathematical concepts (mathematical skills).
- Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions (reasoning skills).
- Physically able to successfully perform the essential functions of the job (physical demands). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
- Home visiting, general classroom/office setting; the noise level in this position varies.
- Reliable Transportation required.
Terms of Employment
- Contracted employee (exempt)
- Part-time position
- Position covered under NCEA Master Agreement
