SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST (#94)

School Overview:

Cresthaven Academy Charter School exists to provide a comprehensive education to our scholars that develops the ‘whole child” through academic excellence, physical wellness, emotional health, and character enrichment. Our school is built on the belief that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed when given equal access to a high-quality education. Each of our scholars will be empowered to overcome challenges and equipped to sustain their success in school and beyond.

Cresthaven Academy Charter School opened in August 2016 with 75 kindergarten scholars, and will add a grade each academic year until we are a K-8 school. All Cresthaven Academy scholars receive access to the best educators and resources, serving to actualize each child’s potential and setting them on the path to college. Cresthaven Academy Charter School is supported by Cresthaven Academy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Foundation exists to support the school and teaching staff in all things outside of classroom instruction, reducing the risk of burnout and raising academic standards by allowing educators to focus on their scholars. Together we will incorporate comprehensive support for scholars and families into the education model, including an afterschool program, in order to inspire excellence in character, identity, and academics in each child.

What You Can Expect at Cresthaven Academy Charter School

Professional Development  We are invested in hiring, training, and retaining top talent.  Before the school year begins, we offer three weeks of targeted training for new staff.  Aligned to our data-driven approach, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in terms of collaboration and professional development.  At Cresthaven Academy, we are all “learners” and consider ourselves part of a culture of reflection, feedback, and commitment to excellence.  

School Community  At Cresthaven Academy, we are working collaboratively with parents and community leaders to build a culture of success and student achievement.  We hold all members of our school community to high expectations, know every scholar and family by name, and offer comprehensive support to ensure success for all of our scholars.  

Resources  Our school model is designed to provide a comprehensive support system to develop the “whole child.”  We have a full-time nurse, physical education teacher, and school psychologist to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our scholars.  The mission of Cresthaven Academy’s Mental Health Team is to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of all scholars.

Qualifications:

Our ideal School Psychologist will have:

• At least one year of supervised employment in the field of school psychology with school-age children or one year of supervised field placement experience in a school mental health setting working with school-age children.  Charter school and urban setting experience is preferred.
• A Master’s Degree and certificate in school psychology or similar program with a valid NJ Endorsement in School Psychologist.
• Willingness to give and receive feedback to facilitate the growth of both scholars and faculty.
• Strong verbal and written skills in English (and Spanish preferred).
• An entrepreneurial spirit, be mission-aligned, and feel excited to be part of a growing Team.

Responsibilities

Demonstrated competencies in the following areas are a must:

• Ability to support the rules, systems, and academic and behavioral philosophy of the school through counseling in one-on-one and small group sessions, as well as teaching whole class lessons.
• Create a proactive counseling program that prevents crises and supports the academically-rich environment of the school.
• Develop and implement curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention with scholars.
• Provide crisis intervention and behavior management to expedite scholars’ return to classrooms and build their ability to meet the school’s high expectations.
• Help maintain school and staff morale by organizing school-wide events.
• Organize, plan, and regularly schedule student meetings around conflict resolution and anger management.
• Serve as a point person for counseling issues that arise.
• Meet with individual students who require counseling in their IEPs
• Use evidence-based practice to effectively develop treatment and intervention plans for students and families.
• Maintain close contact with teachers regarding student behavior plans.
• Keep impeccable records of all school-related actions and initiatives.

Local and Parent Outreach  

• Develop relationships with community organizations that can help support our scholars and families
• Serve as a liaison between scholars/families and local social service agencies when necessary
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of external services and resources
• Visit homes of scholars during home visits and whenever necessary
• Meet with families to address home issues affecting school performance and develop attendance improvement plans when necessary
• Partner with Student Support Coordinator to design and coordinate family engagement and family education activities including family meetings, home visits, and workshops.

Professional Development  

• Attend all staff meetings and professional development workshops
• Model the school’s values and set the standard for professional behavior
• Work closely with teachers to help them to better understand and relate to challenging students

Child Study Team   

• Provide school-based individual and group counseling services to students with disabilities (SWDs)
• Maintain documentation/compliance within district/state mandates
• Knowledge of and experience with I&RS/RtI interventions

Communication and Collaboration  

• Fully embrace the school’s mission and core values and promote them to students, parents, and colleagues
• Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary team coordinating all instructional activities with grade-level teachers, coaches, and other teachers
• Proactively seek assistance or advice when faced with challenging teaching situations
• Maintain positive relationships with and support the learning of all staff members
• Appropriately give and receive feedback to/from students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration
• Keep parents well-informed of student performance and progress

Professionalism and Work Day Expectations

• Fully participate in all school and grade-level meetings, designated school functions outside of school hours, and opportunities for individual and school-wide professional development

Cresthaven Academy offers a competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience and skills.  Cresthaven Academy Charter School is an equal opportunity employer.