Company Description Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 52 schools serving 19,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.
Job Description
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.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Administer psychological tests (particularly individual psychological tests of psychological functioning, cognitive development, affective behavior and neuropsychological status)
Interview students, parents, teachers and/or appropriate staff members
Conduct observations of students
Fulfill the required duties of a school psychologist as a basic member of the Child Study Team including case management
Assist the Child Study Team in diagnosing student psychological status.
Assist the Child Study Team in determining special education eligibility
Make recommendations based on findings
Assist in determining appropriate educational goals - long and short term
Confer with the appropriate teacher(s) to jointly write an I.E.P. appropriate to the student's needs
Meet with student's parent(s) to discuss and familiarize them with the Child Study Team findings
Explain placement procedures and rationale behind I.E.P. to parent/ s) or parental designate obtaining their written consent
Review and implement procedures for referral of students with perceived special educational needs
Intervene, when necessary, to facilitate functioning of individuals or groups using prescribed educational counseling techniques
Serve as a referral consultant for discipline cases when requested by building principal
Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
Implement and enhance the school's systems and culture
Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
Commit to professional growth
Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the Staff Handbook
Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with Uncommon's core values and educational philosophy
Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school
Qualifications
New Jersey school psychologist certification or certification of eligibility required
Possession of master's degree in psychology or closely related field
Evidence of knowledge of special education programming and experience working with students with exceptional needs
Urban school-based psychologist 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
BCBA certified preferred
Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
Proven track-record of high achievement
Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
Belief in and alignment with Uncommon's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
Additional Information
Our people are what makes us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.
Compensation for this position: Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $59,000-$67,000. The starting compensation for this role is between $59,000 and $83,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience in a directly aligned role. Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members.
Other Benefits:
Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
Extensive, best-in-class training and development
Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
Financial planning & wellness
New Jersey Pension program
529 college savings program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
Financial planning tools and assistance
Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
Paid leave of absence
Fully paid parental leave
Fully paid medical leave
Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits
Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon 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. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [email protected].
