School Psychologist

Work Location: Caldwell Road Elementary

Revised November 25, 2020

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST PROGRAM

Title School Psychologist - Program Scope of Responsibility The School Psychologist is responsible for providing specialized knowledge and skills in the area of psycho-educational assessment, behavioral intervention and consultation in relation to curriculum and social outcomes for students. The School Psychologist will work with the school teams to assist in problem solving and program planning and consult with family and community agencies to support the delivery of specialized services to students. Working collaboratively as part of the student services team, the School Psychologist reports directly to a designated School Principal.

Competence Required The School Psychologist in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education shall have the following competencies:
(a) The ability to recognize the diverse learning styles of students;
(b) The ability to administer and interpret standardized assessment tools and recommend programming that recognizes diverse populations;
(c) Provide consultation in planning and implementing appropriate classroom management strategies and techniques to ensure productive, interesting, respectful and safe classrooms;
(d) The ability to contribute to the planning of instructional goals and designated outcomes for all students and to clearly communicate those to learners;
(e) The ability to recommend curriculum adaptations to meet the varying rates, patterns and needs of all students, including students who extend learning beyond designated outcomes;
(f) The ability to effectively contribute to planning an individual program for students;
(g) The ability to utilize current technologies;
(h) The ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, parents/guardians, community and outside agencies to better meet with the needs of students;
(i) Demonstrates fair and ethical judgments in accordance with Professional Governing body;
(j) The ability to work as a contributing team member;
(m) The ability to work and communicate effectively within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, with students, parents/guardians, community members and external groups;
(n) The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and professional development;
(o) The ability to maintain and promote confidentiality.

JOB DESCRIPTION #131

Revised November 25, 2020

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Qualifications (a) Masters Degree in Psychology/School Psychology;
(b) Eligibility for Registration by the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology;
(c) A valid Nova Scotia Teaching Certificate or Special Certificate from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Office of Teacher Certification;

Specific Job Components The School Psychologist in the Halifax Regional Centre for Education shall perform tasks as assigned by a School Principal. These tasks may vary from time to time with the evolution of the organization and may include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) Participate on school teams to assist in problem solving and program planning, as needed;
(b) Plan, monitor and evaluate educational and behavioural interventions for students in conjunction with the Program Planning Team;
(c) Administer, score, interpret and report on the results of psycho-educational assessment (including measures of cognitive, social-emotional and behavioural functioning);
(d) Consult with school teams, families and community agencies, resulting in referrals regarding the learning and mental health of school populations;
(e) Provide a range of counselling services to individuals and groups;
(f) Collaborate in the development of Individualized Program Plans;
(g) Provide professional development sessions for professional staff, support workers, colleagues and school/central office administration;
(h) Facilitate home-school communication;
(i) Offer information workshops for parents and students on a variety of topics;
(j) Participate in school and/or regional centre initiatives and committees;
(k) Promote and maintain confidentiality regarding records and documentation;
(l) Conduct ongoing research and development of materials for efficient service delivery;
(m) Facilitate positive communication amongst all partners in the program planning process;
(n) The Psychologist may elect to supervise graduate students in psychology, with the approval of Coordinator, Program and Student Services;
(o) Other duties as assigned.