School Psychologist Paraeducator

Purpose Statement

The School Psychologist Paraeducator will assume school psychologist paraeducator duties in order to assist school psychologists throughout the Special Services Cooperative of Wamego #724. The School Psychologist Paraeducator will assist school psychologists in organization, testing procedures, student observations, and other duties as assigned by psychologists. Stay current on procedures and stakeholder priorities associated with designated Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and Child Find screenings. Coordinate a date, time, and location most amenable to all parties. Acts as a liaison among school psychologists, cooperative providers, and patrons when conflicts or questions arise regarding scheduled meetings. Documents proceedings in a manner consistent with legal requirements for the assigned tasks. The School Psychologist Paraeducator will establish and maintain a pleasant environment for staff members, will work as a team member with office personnel and others to promote an atmosphere of friendliness, efficiency, and competency. 

Experience:  Minimum of 3 years of job-related experience.

Education:  BA or BS in psychology or education preferred. High school diploma or general education degree (GED) at minimum.  Salary determined by qualifications and experience.

Essential Functions

1. Administer academic tests, score and record a variety of evaluation scales and other test data.
2. Prepare data for analysis, including graphing test results, prepare statistical tables and summarize information from questionnaires, using excel or other spreadsheets.
3. Review SIT/GEI referrals and assign the appropriate psychologist, speech pathologist, or other.
4. Help prepare and assemble Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM) testing materials. Also, assist in the testing process at the schools and help score the tests following actual testing. Enter testing data on computer programs or into spreadsheets for analysis.
5. Gathering assessment data for purposes of evaluation, record review, ecological or computer-based observation, and administering locally developed curriculum-based measurements
6. Uses information in the IEP records and the request form provided by the psychologists to schedule IEP meetings with all required participants and provide timely notice when meeting has been confirmed.
7. Completes and uploads the Notice of Meeting in the WebKIDSS IEP system and sends it to the parents and school psychologist once confirmed.
8. Keeps a monthly calendar of scheduled meetings for each school psychologist.
9. Keeps meeting forms with documentation of attempts to schedule.
10. Assists School Psychologist’s by sending copies of IEP documents and reports to parents and other staff members as requested.
11. Maintains, organizes, and sends protocols to School Psychologists for testing students. 
12. Cooridnates and assists with Child Find.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, preparing and maintaining accurate records; exercising strong written and oral communication skills; and using pertinent software applications.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; review and interpret technical information, analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include learning and managing multiple database systems.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; employing active listening; diffusing confrontations; and working as part of a team.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision and guidance, and/or coordinating with others. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to thirty five (35) pounds, some pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a generally hazard free environment. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Education

• Paraeducators who are school psychology practicum students and are placed in a LEA by a training institution, may participate in those activities normally carried out by the fully-endorsed school psychologist. All psychological evaluations, including testing and behavioral observations, must be reviewed and signed by the supervising psychologist. The supervising psychologist, as a member of the IEP team, must maintain responsibility for special education decisions. Paraeducators who hold a baccalaureate degree, preferably in psychology or education, may be reimbursed if:
  • Responsibilities of the paraeducator are planned and supervised by a qualified professional and are based on the person's competency to carry out the responsibilities. If needed, preservice or staff development may be provided in relation to the duties;
  • The paraeducator is not involved in psychological counseling or therapy, or in psychological evaluation; and
  • The paraeducator is under the direct supervision of a licensed school psychologist.

   Paraeducators not holding a baccalaureate degree must follow the restrictions and supervision requirements above AND are limited to performing tasks such as gathering assessment data for purposes of evaluation, record review, ecological or computer-based observation, and administering locally developed curriculum-based measurements.