School Psychologist
The Environmental Charter School has an immediate need for a School Psychologist. Successful candidates must be progressive minded, and embody a can-do spirit and work ethic. For best consideration, candidates should have a degree or experience in education, a strong work ethic, and a “whatever it takes” attitude.
WORKING AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER SCHOOL
The Environmental Charter School’s faculty and staff are passionate, talented and uncompromising with a mission to make sure all students succeed at a high level following our guiding principles of catalyst, character, collaboration, and commitment. Every aspect of our organization and program is designed – and continually refined – to ensure that goal. Our work is student-centered, constantly improving, and reflective. ECS’s progressive approach to education challenges faculty to take risks. We strongly value collaboration and recognize the power of systems thinking. Our high achievement scores, long waiting lists, and unique location in the city of Pittsburgh, serve as a model in environmentally-focused education.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Catalyst: As a charter school, we are innovators in public education. We are a passionate and progressive group of educators who work to develop individuals into global thinkers with diverse perspectives
Character: We are dedicated to making the world a better place, socially and environmentally, for future generations. We engage students in character development through educational experiences that evaluate the impact of individual choices and that are born from collective discussion and the investigation of diverse perspectives.
Community: We value collaboration with our community and recognize the power of systems thinking. We believe that respectful, transparent, and reflective dialogue among our constituents (students, families, faculty, neighbors, and regional partners) is necessary for elevating educational experiences for all learners.
Commitment: We are a dedicated community of passionate leaders who are committed to defining ecological literacy in an educational setting. Our educational model endorses an interdisciplinary view of complex environmental systems.
OVERVIEW
The School Psychologist will provide support to children to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally while considering the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) and the vision of the Environmental Charter School. School psychologists will collaborate with educators, parents, and other
professionals to help create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home and school. ECS offers a NASP-aligned, best-practices school psychology program where school psychologists provide comprehensive support beyond testing and evaluations. Psychologists are assigned to one building and maintain a caseload of 350 students or fewer, allowing them to build strong relationships and deliver meaningful services to students, families, and staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As Guided by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services
Data-Based Decision Making and Accountability
- Use various data, including social emotional, behavioral, and psychological assessments, to identify student strengths and needs and to aid in developing effective services and programs
Consultation and Collaboration
- Consult and collaborate with colleagues, students, families and other professionals to promote effective implementation of services.
- Provide consultation to administrators, student services team members, and teachers in regards to social, emotional, behavioral, crisis, and academic intervention and differentiation
Interventions and Instructional Support to Develop Academic Skills
- Provide guidance in regards to academic skills/learning, cognitive, developmental processes, and evidence-based curricula and instructional strategies.
Interventions and Mental Health Services to Develop Social and Life Skills
- Provide consultation with counselors and social workers to promote social–emotional functioning and mental health within the school setting
School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
- Utilize knowledge of school practices and general and special education to promote learning and mental health (e.g., response to intervention/MTSS and positive behavioral interventions and supports).
Preventive and Responsive Services
- Provide insight to the school-wide support program to assist with multi-tier prevention and strategies for effective crisis response.
Family–School Collaboration Services
- Collaborate with families and outside care providers to enhance children’s learning and mental health, including providing referrals for outside resources as needed.
Diversity in Development and Learning
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual differences, abilities, disabilities, and other diverse student characteristics to enhance services and address potential influences related to diversity.
Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
- Practice in accordance with ethical, legal, and professional standards.
Additionally engage in Professional Development
- Attend monthly student services and special education department meetings
- Provide resources, workshops, and on-going training to school staff on special education practices
- Participate in local and state-level professional development/networking opportunities to build understanding of trends/best practices/compliance standards in special education
Educational Background and Work Experience
- Masters Degree and Advanced Graduate Degree (C.A.G.S. or Education Specialist) in School Psychology
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist with a Pennsylvania certification as a school psychologist
- Minimum of 3-5 years related experience
- Experience leading and collaborating with adults
- Familiarity with charter schools
Compensation and Benefits
Minimum starting salary of $ 53,964 with consideration given for prior experience
ECS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-, and long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, and participation in a generous 403b retirement plan.
To Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, and license/certification to: https://ecspgh.org/careers/.
Clearances current within one year of hire date will be required. This includes Arrest & Conviction Disclosure, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Clearance (Act 114), FBI Criminal Background Check. Commonwealth of PA Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release (Act 168) and Mandated Reporter Training also will be required.
ECS is an equal opportunity employer.
