Great Oaks Legacy is seeking an experienced, like-minded urban educator to join our leadership team as the School Psychologist. The School Psychologist will work consistently and creatively to meet the needs of all students, be responsible for academic advising and student socialization, collaborate on the Child Study Team, and partner with School Leaders and campus-based Special Education teams to provide related professional development to teachers and staff.
The School Psychologist has expertise in determining a child’s level of cognitive and conceptual development by administering standard psychological evaluations for the purpose of assessing the intellectual, educational, emotional, social, and behavioral characteristics of those students referred. They will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals, to create safe and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections for all students. The school psychologist will provide counseling, crisis intervention, planning and developing school-based interventions with educators, and assessing the need for special services.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP & EVALUATION
Employee reports to the Network Director of SPED and Student Services or his designee and will receive informal feedback, often daily through observations and interactions, weekly check-ins, and formal evaluations three times per year.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assess difficulties of referred students through appropriate testing and diagnostic practices.
- Administer tests and recommend placements for all students.
- Serve as a member on both the intervention and referral service team.
- Maintain case records on all referred students.
- Recommend corrective procedures.
- Conduct individual, group, or facilitative therapy for students whose diagnoses would benefit from behavior modification.
- Confer with teachers and parents whenever necessary.
- Consult on special educational needs of students with disabilities.
- Attend case conferences on placement of individual students.
- Serve as a consultant on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program.
- Interpret the school psychological services to teachers and parents.
- Prepare and submit required reports on students and special education programs.
- Support special education classes.
- Cooperate with personnel of community health and social welfare agencies.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's in School Psychology
- New Jersey Certified School Psychologist
- Demonstrated ability to use their training and skills to collaborate with parents, educators, and other professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe and supportive environment.
- Evidence of knowledge of special education programming and experience working with students with exceptional needs.
- Strong knowledge of NJ special education regulations and compliance policies/procedures
- Commitment to the GOLCS core values and practices
- Strong knowledge of instructional strategies for students with disabilities
- Urban school-based work experience with evidence of measurable student growth. Excellent verbal and written skills in communicating with diverse audiences.
- Experience managing assessment data.
- Openness to feedback, and willingness to take responsibility for student success. Demonstrated commitment to professional comportment.
- Attention to detail.
- Flexibility under pressure.
Data Analysis
- Review assessment data from universal screeners, biweekly assessments, ANET assessments and school wide assessments providing targeted and timely feedback that drives results to Special Education teams and meets student goals.
Talent Management
- Serve as a member of the leadership team and participate in weekly leadership professional development sessions, instructional rounds, cultural walks and leadership team meetings.
- Serve as a resource to Directors, Social workers and teachers for effective implementation of the Special Education program.
- Arrange timely evaluation of students suspected of having a disability.
- Observe and provide targeted, actionable feedback to the Special Education team of teachers.
Strategic Planning and Systems
- Collaborate with School Directors/Principals and Network Director of Special Education to implement recommendations for the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of the educational program.
- Create and maintain Special Education documentation as required by federal, state and district regulations.
- Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
Compensation & Benefits
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
- Up to $5,250 per year in tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
- Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
- Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
- Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
- Pre-tax state pension plan benefit with additional options available via voluntary retirement plans.
- Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.
- Convenient health screening and telemedicine support via VitalCheck Wellness platform.
ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL
The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.
Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily –
- Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
- Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and support in their roles.
- Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.
GOLCS VACCINATION POLICY & COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is committed to ensuring healthy and safe working and learning environments, and maintaining our educational commitment to GOLCS students and families - with minimal disruption to instruction. With this in mind, as of October 2021, Great Oaks Legacy requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Candidates who would like to apply for a reasonable accommodation from this policy based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief should reach out to HR@greatoakslegacy.org for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.