School Psychologist

Job Description

Job Description

The Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a School Psychologist who exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Educational Program Supervisor.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: OSB is a dynamic and multi-faceted organization centered around the operation of a private non-profit school for ages 3 to 21. Formal and informal parental feedback consistently highlights the caring and committed staff as a primary strength of the School. Along with three other Chartered Schools for the Deaf and Blind throughout Pennsylvania, OSB receives general operating support through an annual state appropriation that partially subsidizes the salaries and benefits for over 230 employees. In addition to school operations, OSB manages expansive Birth to 3 Services in multiple counties and oversees an International Program that serves nine developing countries in Southeast Asia. Additionally, OSB provides itinerant services by Teachers of the Visually Impaired to students in local school districts and charter schools. Since 1832, OSB’s legacy of innovation in service to children who are blind or visually impaired has been propelled by an energetic and dedicated workforce.

Job Functions: To provide in-depth collaboration with the Individual Education Plan Team offering overall support for the student’s well-being, ie: performing assessments. The position provides counseling as well as coping strategies to aid the student on how to manage behavioral and emotional issues. Additionally, the School Psychologist performs designated instructional services for students whose IEP specifies psychological services and makes available consultation services to parents, students, and school staff.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and disseminates psychoeducational assessment, and other tests required to determine eligibility and continued eligibility for special education services.
• Provides written assessment reports for student evaluation.
• Collaborates with staff throughout the school to meet the needs of students.
• Provides recommendations to the IEP Team concerning the need to obtain additional, psychological and/or psychiatric information on an evaluation.
• Participates as an IEP Team Member in areas such as mental health support and counseling, functional behavioral assessments, positive behavior intervention plans, and/or in the manifestation determination process.
• Engages outside agencies, parents, and teachers in meeting the needs of the students.
• Review student records for the screening and evaluation process.
• Conducts group and individual lessons on social skills development.
• Analyses all Re-Evaluation Reports to review educational classifications.
• Schedule school-based counseling; Individual and group counseling.
• Administers Threat Assessment and Behavioral Health Crisis Management.
• Offers and manages Safety Care Training to Staff, Therapeutic Options, or other identified programs.
• Supports the School-Wide Positive Behavior Support Committee.
• Investigate student-related issues as the Title IX Coordinator; ensure student safety at all times.

• Plans and Implements In-Service Sessions on Behavioral Strategies and Inventions for Professional Development Days.
• Plans and Implements In-Service Sessions for New and Revised Testing Instruments
• Research New Intervention Strategies and Assessments in the areas of Instructional Strategies, Behavior Management, Behavioral Intervention Plans, and Emotional Disabilities.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by Administration and/or Coordinators.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology; Certified in the State of Pennsylvania as a School Psychologist; Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), preferred.
• 5 Years of experience in a school setting working with students who have mental health and intellectual disabilities; experience with visual impairments, preferred.
• Strong background in scientific-based intervention programs, behavior management, positive behavior support, and instructional strategies.
• Experience with Positive Behavior Modification Techniques.
• Communication skills (oral and written) and confidence in conveying information to all types of members of the community, including teachers, administrators, other staff members, and students.
• Ability to exercise independence, good judgment, and dependability and establish effective working work relationships as necessitated by work.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of assessment and interpretation of assessment data.
• Proficient Computer Skills.
• Commitment to the school’s needs and readiness to respond in a timely manner.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the importance of maintaining confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications:

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum. Participate in 2 person lifts.
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

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