School Psychologist Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Mandatory membership in Maryland State Retirement Agency

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System is seeking a School Psychologist to provide psychological services such as consultation and assessment to a diverse student population. In this role, you will collaborate with teachers, families, and community providers to improve students’ academic and behavioral outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree in School Psychology and be eligible for the Maryland Educators Certificate. Compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package alongside a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Education Specialist or doctoral degree in School Psychology.
• Hold, or be eligible for, a valid Maryland Educators Certificate with an endorsement as a School Psychologist.
• Hold, or be eligible for, the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP).

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and advocacy with all school and community stakeholders.
• Engage in active consultation with teachers, families, and community providers.
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments for diagnosis and eligibility decisions.

Skills

Knowledge of multi-tiered supports

Ability to utilize computer-based instruments

Leadership and advocacy

Education

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree in School Psychology

Maryland Educators Certificate as a School Psychologist

National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP)

Job description

Job Overview

Under the supervision of the Coordinator of School Psychology, the School Psychologist will provide a continuum of psychological services, including consultation, prevention, assessment, and intervention, to a diverse population of students. The role involves collaborating with teachers, staff, administrators, and families to positively impact students’ academic, social‑emotional, and behavioral well‑being.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or a doctoral (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) degree in School Psychology
• Hold, or be eligible for, a valid Maryland Educators Certificate with an endorsement as a School Psychologist
• Hold, or be eligible for, the National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of multi‑tiered supports and services to address student social‑emotional, mental health, and behavioral functioning, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention
• Ability to utilize computer‑based and online instruments for data collection and assessment
• Knowledge of due process and procedural safeguards in special education
• Understanding of research‑based practices for improving student achievement, supporting positive mental health, and addressing behavioral challenges
• Experience in the development and delivery of professional learning and facilitation of team meetings
• Leadership and advocacy in working with all stakeholders within the school and community

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and advocacy with all school and community stakeholders
• Engage in active consultation with teachers, families, administrators, community providers, and other professional staff to address academic, social‑emotional, and behavioral concerns
• Communicate effectively using a problem‑solving process to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive, data‑driven interventions for diverse learners
• Participate on interdisciplinary teams such as the Student Support Team (SST), Instructional Intervention Team (IIT), Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Individual Education Plan (IEP), and Section 504
• Facilitate communication with community providers to coordinate care for students receiving external supports
• Collaborate with families to support home/school interactions, including leading parent education sessions and facilitating IEP or Section504 meetings
• Provide professional learning to school staff on topics such as suicide prevention, executive functions, disability awareness, and challenging behaviors
• Administer and interpret psychological assessments (cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioral) for diagnosis and eligibility decisions
• Conduct curriculum‑based and functional behavioral assessments; analyze data to provide instructional and behavioral implications
• Provide immediate support for students with suicide concerns in collaboration with trained interveners
• Offer ongoing direct psychological services (individual or group counseling) based on students’ identified needs, IEPs, and Section504 plans, with parent consent when required
• Provide crisis intervention services for students, staff, and the broader school community during emergencies

Selection Criteria

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education that best match the position’s needs and the school system’s goals.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a 10‑month or 11‑month per year position within the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. Salary will be on the Other Certified Staff scale, with placement based on education and relevant prior experience. The role is exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Compensation and benefits include a mandatory membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency pension plan (7% annual contribution) and the comprehensive benefits package offered to eligible employees, as detailed in the negotiated agreement.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted before any offer. Candidates must provide references from current and recent supervisors, be fingerprinted, undergo a criminal background investigation, and complete the Maryland Employment History Review. Depending on the role, a physical examination and/or drug testing may be required. All applicants must provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility to work in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.