26/27 School Psychologist (Pool) +10K Sign-on bonus and $2,500 stipend for bilingual assessment

ORGANIZATION: Education for Change Public Schools

POSITION: School Psychologist

LOCATION: Oakland, CA 

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Student Support Services

Position Summary

Education for Change is looking for dynamic and visionary School Psychologists who will engage students, families, and other members of our learning community to ensure high student achievement, as well as support mental health and behavior in an effort to ensure children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. The School Psychologist supports instructional programs by reviewing reports of team members, mentoring colleagues, and supporting professional accountability. They perform specialized psychological work in an educational setting to enable students to achieve optimal learning. They collect, interpret, and synthesize information about students’ sensory-motor/perceptual functioning, academic achievement, intelligence, social/emotional adjustment, and significant crises that influence academic and behavioral functioning. The School Psychologist works cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member to provide services and to devise an appropriate service plan for referred students and their families.  They will know how to successfully work in urban TK-12 schools with a high English Learner and low-income population, including traumatized students.

Our Approach

EFC is committed to serving ALL students, regardless of need. Our approach addresses the diverse needs of our students by offering a myriad of program designs to meet individual need.  We offer inclusion, resource instruction, combined programs that include both inclusive and small group instruction, and specialized programs for students with autism, those in need of emotional supports, and students with more moderate needs. Utilizing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to analyze and problem solve around student and staff needs. We employ a whole child approach that not only meets the basic needs of our students, but also takes into consideration their socio-emotional, academic and behavioral needs.

Responsibilities:

We are looking for School Psychologists who are highly effective in each of the following areas:

Data Driven Planning and Assessment

• Select and administer age appropriate assessment methods and materials in order to determine the needs of the student
• Interpret assessment results and compiles comprehensive psychological assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations
• Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary assessment team assigned to each school and works as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of children
• Assist in the development of FBAs and BIPs for students and in the implementation of recommended courses of action

Learning Environment 

• Serve as a resource to teachers and staff regarding psychological services and the academic/psychological needs of students
• Establish a culture of high expectations that includes the shared belief that ALL children can achieve at high levels and are prepared to succeed in any setting.
• Monitor students’ behavior/activities in a variety of educational environments (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment

Case Management 

• Monitor the evaluation and reevaluation process
• Act as a member of the Coordination of Services Team (COST) and consult with teachers and other school personnel to obtain information regarding the reason for referral
• Gather background information on the student’s psychological history by conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records
• Upload assessment reports to SEIS upon completion and document all due diligence efforts

Professional Responsibilities 

• Provide in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students
• Apply ethics and standards of professional practice in the delivery of school psychological services and observes relevant laws and policies that govern practice
• Maintain adequate and current testing materials required by school psychologists
• Actively seek and participate in professional development opportunities to remain current with federal and state special education guidelines
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, and administrative guidelines
• Transport students, as necessary
• Maintain strict student and parent confidentiality
• Attend mandatory new hire professional development

Partnerships, Families and Community

• Consults and collaborates with educational staff regarding students with emotional, behavioral, cognitive and learning difficulties, in accordance with all directives, standards, procedures, policies, laws, rules, regulations, codes and guidelines
• Conference with and provides information, support, and counseling to families of students
• Assist in coordinating, communicating and seeking consultation with community agencies as appropriate

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a licensed Specialist in School Psychology
• Valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology
• Comprehensive knowledge of school psychology theory, child development, substance abuse education, tests and measurements, and crisis management. 
• Must possess a growth mindset and be able to use feedback to refine practice
• Successful experience working in a collaborative environment
• Experience working with diverse communities

Desired Qualifications:

• Bilingual-Spanish
• Experience working with English Language Learners
• Outstanding communication and organization skills

Compensation & Benefits

EFC offers competitive salary and benefits packages. See here for the salary steps. 80-90% of Medical/Dental/Vision plan costs are paid by EFC; participation in CalSTRS/CalPERS as appropriate. 

Sign-on bonus- $10,000 vests over two years.

For more information, please email talent@efcps.net. 

Application Process

Apply online at: Careers - Education for Change Oakland Public Schools

EFC Core Values

• Connected- We continually work to build trusting relationships among students, families, staff, and the Oakland community at large. We are an all-hands-on-deck network driven by empathy. We value our collective identity and the individual identities of our community members and scholars such that we have a sense of collective ownership and responsibility for each other and for our scholars.
• Inclusive- We proactively disrupt predictable patterns of opportunity, power, privilege, and performance. We create an inclusive environment where multiple perspectives are not only valued but sought, where people from all backgrounds feel seen and heard and can thrive, and where we all feel a deep sense of accountability to our mission.
• Interdependent- Our success at every level is dependent on our individual and collective sustainability. To that end, we are transparent, creative, and collaborative problem-solvers who seek to build trusting relationships. We are curious and are open to new ideas while also putting systems in place to ensure continuity so that our employees can stay, grow, thrive, and help make good on our promise to our students and families.
• Learners- We support each other to develop and grow so that we can leverage our collective power, intelligence, and passion on behalf of our students. We lean on home-grown leaders who are rooted in our community. Individuals feel known and are provided opportunities to maximize their potential in alignment with their passions and goals.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

EFC prohibits sex discrimination including sex-based harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions regarding sex discrimination or harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. The contact information for the Title IX Coordinator, EFC’s Title IX notice of nondiscrimination, and additional information regarding your rights under Title IX are available on the EFC website at: https://www.efcps.org/Title_IX_Coordinator_Rights_Notice