Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools serving more than 20,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Job Description

The School Psychologist will work consistently and creatively to meet the needs of all students, be responsible for academic advising and student socialization, collaborate on the Child Study Team, and partner with School Leaders and campus-based Special Education teams to provide related professional development to teachers and staff.

The school psychologist has expertise in determining a child’s level of cognitive and conceptual development by administering standard psychological evaluations for the purpose of assessing the intellectual, educational, emotional, social, and behavioral characteristics of those students referred.  They will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals, to create safe and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections for all students.  The school psychologist will provide counseling, crisis intervention, planning and developing school-based interventions with educators, and assessing the need for special services.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer psychological tests (particularly individual psychological tests of psychological functioning, cognitive development, affective behavior and neuropsychological status)
• Interview students, parents, teachers and/or appropriate staff members
• Conduct observations of students
• Fulfill the required duties of a school psychologist as a basic member of the Child Study Team including case management
• Assist the Child Study Team in diagnosing student psychological status.
• Assist the Child Study Team in determining special education eligibility
• Make recommendations based on findings
• Assist in determining appropriate educational goals - long and short term
• Confer with the appropriate teacher(s) to jointly write an I.E.P. appropriate to the student's needs
• Meet with student's parent(s) to discuss and familiarize them with the Child Study Team findings
• Explain placement procedures and rationale behind I.E.P. to parent/ s) or parental designate obtaining their written consent
• Review and implement procedures for referral of students with perceived special educational needs
• Intervene, when necessary, to facilitate functioning of individuals or groups using prescribed educational counseling techniques
• Serve as a referral consultant for discipline cases when requested by building principal
• Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
• Commit to professional growth
• Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the Staff Handbook
• Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core values and educational philosophy
• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school

Qualifications

• New Jersey school psychologist certification or certification of eligibility required
• Possession of master’s degree in psychology or closely related field
• Evidence of knowledge of special education programming and experience working with students with exceptional needs
• Urban school-based psychologist work experience with evidence of measurable student growth
• Excellent verbal and written skills in communicating with diverse audiences
• Experience managing assessment data
• Openness to feedback, and willingness to take responsibility for student success
• Demonstrated commitment to professional comportment
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility under pressure
• BCBA certified preferred
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Proven track-record of high achievement
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: The starting compensation for this role based in Newark is between $59,000 to $83,000.  

Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $59,000-$63,000. The starting compensation for this role is between $59,000 and $83,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience in a directly aligned role.  Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members. 

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial  planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.