School Psychologist
The School Psychologist’s office is located in the Student Services Centre. The School Psychologist provides support to students, and their teachers and families, in a range of areas which may impact on the student’s ability to reach his/her educational potential. These areas may include behaviour, learning, social-emotional issues, mental health etc.
Duties include:
- Collaboration with other members of the Student Services team in the case management of Students at Educational Risk.
- Facilitation of case conferences with staff, parents and students where there is an identified concern eg attendance, behaviour, learning.
- Collaboration with key staff in analysing data, identifying needs and profiling incoming year 8 students.
- Provision of short-term counselling for students with specific needs, and referral to outside agencies for additional support if required.
- Liaison with outside agencies regarding specific students, and general areas of need, as required eg. Department for Community Development, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Disability Services Commission, parent support agencies etc
- Assistance to staff in the development of Individual Behaviour Plans and Individual Education Plans for Students at Educational Risk.
- Administration of psychometric assessments and provision of a written report for students requiring a review of Education Support placement, application for Special Exam Arrangements or identification of learning difficulties or disabilities.
- Assistance to teaching staff in applying for Schools Plus resources for students with identified disabilities.
- Participation in relevant school committees including Student Wellbeing, Literacy and Staff Wellbeing.
- Provision of Professional Development workshops for staff relating to relevant Student Services policies and areas of expertise eg Child Protection and behaviour management.
- Involvement on the school’s Crisis Management Team including planning, assistance with coordination of crisis response and counselling/debriefing as required.
- Participation in pastoral care planning and activities for students.
- Involvement in the development and revision of key Student Services policies and procedures within the school including attendance, behaviour management, bullying and substance use.
- Assistance to Executive staff in the analysis of whole-school data, trends and strategies for ongoing school improvement.
- Collaboration with other Student Services staff (eg school Nurse or Chaplain) to provide small group programs for targeted students in areas such as mental health, resilience and healthy relationships.
- Attendance at District Student Services team meetings and involvement in district-wide initiatives including support to other School Psychologists and provision of professional learning.