School Psychologist 2026-2027 School Year

WATCHUNG BOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT; Watchung (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

WATCHUNG BOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a School Psychologist to join the Child Study Team. The role focuses on applying psychological knowledge to student needs, collaborating with teachers and parents, and coordinating evaluations for placement decisions.

The position involves conducting assessments, developing IEP recommendations, and coordinating with speech therapists and other specialists as needed.

Qualifications

• Certification to practice as a school psychologist in the state.
• Experience with IEP/ CST processes and teamwork with related professionals.
• Familiarity with evaluation methods and behavioral assessment (e.g., ABA, FBA, BIP).

Responsibilities

• Evaluates students to assess psychological strengths and needs and prepares comprehensive reports.
• Presents interpretation of findings to the Child Study Team and collaborates on placement recommendations.
• Consults with outside therapists/psychiatrists when needed and coordinates referrals.
• Performs duties of a case manager for assigned students and informs teachers/staff about interventions.
• Develops IEPs by consolidating data from multiple sources and coordinating team input.
• Communicates with parents and caregivers about findings and next steps to support the student.

Education

State Certification as a School Psychologist

Job description

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

QUALIFICATIONS: State Certification as a School Psychologist

JOB GOAL: The School Psychologist is a member of the Child Study Team, sharing with other members (Social Worker and Learning Consultant) the responsibility of evaluating and determining classification as necessary. The main focus is the application of psychological knowledge to the problems of the school, with special attention to the interactions of students identified as potentially having disabilities with their teachers and peers.

Performance Responsibilities

• Specifically, the School Psychologist evaluates the student to assess psychological strengths and needs, communicates with parent(s) and teachers, observes the student and prepares a comprehensive written report.
• Presents interpretation of findings to the Child Study Team members. Participates in coordinating the findings of all three disciplines (plus speech therapist as appropriate) and stating recommendations for identification of the students as having disabilities, classification, placement, and program (IEP). Provides input and makes recommendations for ways to increase the mainstreaming of children with autism and related disorders.
• Consults with outside therapists and psychologists/psychiatrists when needed.
• Performs the duties of a case manager for those cases assigned to the psychologist. Consults with teachers and staff regarding students’ behavior and success in the classroom, potential data collection techniques, and ways of determining influences on difficulties in the classroom. This will also entail addressing methodologies such as ABA, Discrete Trial, Verbal Behavior.
• Coordinates all information to develop an IEP.
• Reviews psychological records of new students entering the system who have been previously classified to ascertain if testing update is required, interview the student, and meet with team members to determine placement based on records and prior program.
• Provides parents with information regarding the psychological strengths and needs of their child. Explores ways parents and the school can more effectively work together to assist the student.
• Expedites referrals to other specialists and agencies when appropriate.
• Works with teachers toward the solution of management problems of students whose learning or behavioral adjustment interferes with classroom activities. This will include conducting Functional Behavioral Analyses (FBA), as necessary including students with Autism and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) when indicated.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the field through professional journals and conferences.
• Serves as a consultant on mental health topics for professional staff members.
• Serves as a member of the Crisis Team.
• Participates in I&RS meetings to develop appropriate interventions, as assigned.
• Assists in planning for the transition of students to their next educational environment.
• Works closely with guidance counselors to develop an appropriate schedule based on IEP program and services.

Salary and Benefits: Negotiated with the Board of Education.