School Psychologist (Cesar Chavez PCS)

ABOUT CESAR CHAVEZ PCS FOR PUBLIC POLICY

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy opened in 1998 with a mission to prepare students to succeed in competitive colleges and to empower them to use public policy to create a more just, free, and equal world.

Now, over 20 years later, Chavez provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, a unique public policy program, and a safe and supportive learning environment with comprehensive support services. Located in the Parkside community in Northeast D.C., Chavez will serve 400 middle and high school students for the 2021-22 school year.

To learn more about Chavez, visit chavezschools.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The School Psychologist consults with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to evaluate and improve support strategies and interventions for students. This position works collaboratively with school administrators to improve practices and policies and collaborates with community partners to identify and address students’ academic, mental and behavioral health needs. The School Psychologist reports to the Director of Special Education. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and review evaluation reports to determine student services
• Conduct psychological and academic assessments
• Collect and interpret student academic and behavioral data to inform recommendations for individualized instruction and interventions 
• Improve referral and pre-referral intervention protocols
• Assess students emotional and behavioral needs and make referrals to coordinate community services
• In collaboration with other mental health providers promote problem solving, anger management, conflict resolution and positive coping skills
• Assess diverse learning needs and provide written evaluation reports
• Provide culturally responsive services to students and families from diverse backgrounds
• Make recommendations for appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities
• Make recommendations to modify and adapt curricula and instruction, adjust classroom facilities and routines to improve student engagement and learning
• Effectively communicate with parents about student progress and deliver evaluation reports to parents
• Assess school climate to improve school connectedness
• Promote positive discipline and restorative justice practices
• Make recommendations for school-wide behavioral supports
• Identify at-risk students and school vulnerabilities, provide crisis prevention and intervention services
• Strengthen family-school partnership by helping families to understand their child’s learning and mental health needs 
• Assist families in navigating special education processes
• Connect families to community partners and services, as needed
• Help families effectively engage with teachers and other school staff
• Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior
• Generate and interpret useful student and school outcome data
• Collect and analyze data on risk and protective factors related to student outcomes
• Plan service at the network, building, classroom and individual level

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL REQUIRED

• Master’s degree or higher in school psychology or related field, that includes coursework and practical experience in both psychology and education.
• Clinical experience and experience in a public school environment, preferred.
• Licensed to practice school psychology in the District of Columbia.
• Praxis for school psychology with certification through the Office of the State Superintendent
• Demonstrated success using data to drive practice
• Ability to effectively analyze school data to improve student and staff achievement
• Strategic thinker and proactive problem-solver
• Excellent written and oral skills
• Works independently with little direct supervision as well as part of a team
• Bilingual, preferred

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times. 
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s facilities.