Summary

Lionsgate Academy is a public charter school open to students of all abilities in grades 7 through 12. Lionsgate’s programming is inclusively designed to address the unique learning needs of students living on the autism spectrum as well as students with other learning differences. Lionsgate Academy is a place to learn and a place to truly belong: for our students and for our staff members!

Description

POSITION PURPOSE:

The school psychologist will conduct and manage student evaluations. They will apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help students succeed academically, socially, behaviourally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home, school, and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Evaluations

    • Evaluate students to address special education eligibility, which includes maintaining checks and balances to make sure the evaluation plan is appropriate and comprehensive.

    • Determine student needs based on evaluations.

    • Maintain inventory of protocols, which includes staying current on changes to protocols and investigating additional assessment tools and recommending updates.

    • Conduct assessments appropriate to the focus of concern with consideration of the characteristics of the student or group of students (e.g., ethnic, cultural, socio-economic status) and their learning environment.

    • Assist school personnel in analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating the results of individual evaluations.

    • Relay the results of evaluations information in a meaningful manner.

    • Participate in Child Study, Evaluation and IEP meetings and student case conferences, as needed.

  • Services

    • Recommend goals and services based on student needs.

    • Provide direct IEP services in social emotional learning, social competency, and/or emotion regulation

    • Develop present levels, goals and objectives and maintain quarterly progress notes for direct IEP services as assigned.

  • Collaboration

    • Provide psychological counseling to help resolve interpersonal or family problems that interfere with school performance.

    • Provide training to staff in social skills, coping skills, disabilities and emotion regulation

    • Help students, families and schools manage crises such as death, illness, or community trauma.

    • Consult with teachers, other support staff, and parents about ways to facilitate learning and adjustment for individuals or groups of students.

    • Provide information, and/or education in the application of learning theory, child development, mental health and co-morbidity and how they affect learning and behavior to school personnel and parents.

    • Promote tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity within the school community.

    • Develop partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments.

OTHER POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Participate in staff development programs

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

  • Participate in cohort learning

  • Act as a member of the drop-in counseling rotation.

COMPETENCIES:

  • Ability to work well with families

  • Possess skills and best practice techniques and methodologies for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities.

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Excellent work habits including attendance, punctuality, and dependability

  • Promote a positive school culture

  • Strong communication skills and ability to work within a team

  • Knowledge of and experience practicing the principles of applied behavior analysis.

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Experience developing IEPs and communicating with parents & interdisciplinary team members.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • Valid School Psychologist license through the Minnesota Department of Education / PELSB

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience working with middle and high-school students

  • Experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum