VACANCY
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of
School Psychologist
Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Competences:
• A Master’s degree in School Psychology, Counselling Psychology, from an accredited programme.
• A minimum of five to ten (5- 10) years teaching experience.
• Teacher Training and/or Post Graduate training in the area of specialization
• Computer proficiency
• Delegating and managing
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• The ability to synthesize and interpret diagnostic and assessment data.
• A comprehensive knowledge of school psychology theory, child development, substance abuse education, tests and measurements, and crisis management.
• The ability to practically apply assessment, counselling, interviewing, and crisis intervention skills.
• The ability to work cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member.
• Excellent communication and time management skills.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, students, families, team members, and others.
DESCRIPTION: General Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Office of the Chief Education Officer, the school psychologist will
➢ assist students by screening for early intervention and identification as well as administering diagnostic and curriculum –based assessments as a member of an interdisciplinary team of student support personnel.
➢ provide crisis intervention as well as individual and group intervention services supporting mental health issues for students, school personnel and community/family.
➢ work to support the success of students academically, socially, behaviourally, and emotionally and collaborates with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community for all students.
➢ identify and assesses the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment
➢ provide interventions to students to support the teaching process and to maximize learning and adjustment and assists in the planning, development, and evaluation of programs to meet identified learning and adjustment needs.
➢ deliver a planned and coordinated program of psychological services, have specialized training in psychological assessment, crisis response, individual and group counselling, school-based consultation, academic testing and assessment and research
➢ Assist with the coordination of school and community referrals.
➢ Adheres to established professional and ethical standards for school psychologists
➢ Conduct professional development/training and workshops for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
➢ Provide consultative services related to school and problem solving in the areas of instruction and social/emotional learning and behaviour.
SPECIFIC DUTIES
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Select and administer age appropriate assessment methods and materials in order to determine the needs of the student.
2. Consult with teachers and other school personnel to obtain information regarding the reason for referral by conducting behavioural observations, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records.
3. Interpret assessment results and compiles comprehensive psychological assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations.
4. Perform casework services with students and families to help resolve student’s behavioural and social problems and communicate case findings and recommendations to teachers and other school personnel as needed.
5. Conference with and provide information, support, and counselling to parents/guardians of students, inclusive of parent training classes and student support activities.
6. Contribute to the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) where needed.
7. Serve as a resource to teachers and staff regarding psychological services and the academic/psychological needs of students and provide in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.
8. Conduct specialized individual and group counselling sessions to address specific emotional, social, and behavioural needs of students.
9. Serve as a liaison between the student, home, school, private counselling facilities and community resources such as social services.
10. Plan, coordinate and facilitate monthly meetings with school guidance counsellors
11. Provide follow-up support and periodic re-evaluation services as necessary.
12. Maintain accurate case records.
REMUNERATION
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in accordance with current Civil Service salary structures.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 7th September, 2018.
Each Application Package should:
1. include the following Letter of interest with a picture identification, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, Birth Certificate, and Certified copies of Academic Qualifications
2. be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, P.O. Box 333, Basseterre, St. Kitts. W.I.
All applications will be acknowledged, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.
