Position:           Psychologist, Grades 6-8

                        Office of Student Services/Cambridge Street Upper School

 

Overview of Cambridge Public Schools:

Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city as well as a central hub and driver of the nation’s innovative economy. Home of the renowned educational institutions of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is also the center of an impressive array of biotechnology, science, and information technology companies.

 

Educating about 7,000 students JK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools consists of award-winning faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Additionally, there is personalized support for every student. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home and over 65 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.

 

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a wide variety of services to CPS students with special needs to ensure equitable access and support for all, including those who are advanced or twice-exceptional learners.

 

The Role:

Under the supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and the Director of Student Services, the Psychologist will conduct psychological assessments and serve as Team Chairperson for the school(s) to which they are assigned. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct and interpret psychological assessments resulting in comprehensive written reports that meet criteria in accordance with state and federal special education requirements
• Chair school-based Special Education Team Meetings including , but not limited to, Initial Evaluations, Three Year Reevaluations, and Manifestation Determinations
• Provide leadership to school-based Special Education Teams through technical assistance around implementation of state and federal special education law and regulations and Office of Special Education procedures
• Develop and oversee the effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with appropriate documentation
• Work closely with school staff to ensure that the learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students are addressed
• Serve as a staff resource with respect to disability categories, differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and analysis of assessment results
• Consult with administrators, special educators and related service providers, RtI Teams, general educators, parents, and outside agencies
• Facilitate inter-agency (DCF, DYS, CBHI, DMH, etc.) collaboration with school-based Special Education Teams
• Provide individual and/or group counseling as directed by supervisor
• Serve as a liaison for students in Out of District Placements
• Maintain appropriate standards of behavior, mutual respect, and safety
• Carry out other related duties as may be designated

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming Psychologist you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or higher
• Massachusetts License: School Psychologist required
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations
• Experience working in an urban, multi-cultural school system with a variety of special education service models preferred

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work. Written requests for either a religious exemption from this requirement based on sincerely held religious beliefs, or for a medical exemption based upon clear documentation from a medical provider should be submitted to the attention of the Chief Talent Officer.

 

                                               

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity. 

 

 

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.