<p>Somerset County Public Schools is recruiting School Psychologists for the 2026-2027 school year. Join a small but mighty district offering competitive salaries, a generous leave package, supportive leadership, and a strong sense of community.</p> <p>State of Maryland licensed School Occupational Therapists receiving National Certification will receive an additional $2,000 in salary.</p> <p>I. Position Summary</p> <p>The School Psychologist provides comprehensive psychological services including assessment, consultation, and intervention as a core member of the multidisciplinary Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 teams. This role focuses on supporting students' academic success, social-emotional development, and mental health through evidence-based practices.</p> <ul> <li>Schedule: 10-month contract. Per diem summer work may be required based on caseload and evaluation timelines. </li><li>Incentives: Additional compensation/stipend available for individuals holding the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential. </li></ul> <p>II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Assessment & Evaluation: Conducts comprehensive psychological evaluations, including cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral assessments. Interprets data to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA and COMAR. </li><li>Intervention & Counseling: Formulates recommendations for remedial and therapeutic measures. Provides individual and group counseling to students to support social-emotional and academic goals. </li><li>IEP & 504 Participation: Participates in Admissions, Review, and Dismissal (ARD)/IEP team meetings. Translates complex psychological data into actionable classroom strategies for teachers and parents. </li><li>Behavioral Support: Conducts Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and assists in developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). </li><li>Consultation: Collaborates with administrators, teachers, and parents regarding classroom management, instructional strategies, and school climate. </li><li>Crisis Intervention: Provides immediate crisis intervention assistance to students, staff, and the school community as part of the district's safety and mental health team. </li><li>Documentation: Prepares professional psychological reports using the Maryland Online IEP (MOIEP) system. Ensures all state and federal timelines are met. </li></ul> <p>III. Qualifications</p> <p>To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Degree: Specialist-level degree (e.g., Ed.S., Psy.S.) or Doctoral degree in School Psychology from a NASP-approved program. </li><li>Experience: Previous experience in a K-12 setting is preferred. Knowledge of Maryland special education regulations is highly desirable. </li></ul> <p>Certificates, Licenses, Registrations</p> <ul> <li>Certification: Must hold (or be eligible for) Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Specialist Certificate with the School Psychologist endorsement. </li><li>National Certification: NCSP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist) credential preferred (stipend eligible). </li><li>Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for travel between school sites. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Technical Proficiency: Mastery of standardized assessment tools and interpretation. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and IEP management software. </li><li>Communication: Ability to communicate sensitive diagnostic information clearly and empathetically to diverse audiences. </li><li>Analytical Reasoning: Ability to apply the scientific body of knowledge to solve complex educational and behavioral problems. </li></ul> <p>IV. Physical Demands & Work Environment</p> <ul> <li>Physical Effort: Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. Occasionally required to lift or move testing kits (up to 50 lbs). </li><li>Travel: Must be able to travel to multiple school locations and regional meetings within the County. </li><li>Environment: Typical school office and classroom settings. The noise level is generally moderate but may increase during crisis intervention or playground observations. </li></ul> <p>Equal Opportunity: Somerset County Public School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.</p>