School Psychologist Role and Responsibilities

School Psychologist Essential Requirements

  • Registration Requirements:

    • Must be fully registered by the Psychology Board of Australia under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.
    • Alternatively, can have provisional registration based on a degree with a fourth or fifth year qualification in psychology and a supervision agreement accepted by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).**
      • Full registration permitted after 1 to 3 years of supervised practice.

  • Supervision of Provisional Psychologists:

    • Joint responsibility of the employer, supervisor, provisional psychologist, and AHPRA (Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
    • Employers must ensure appropriate qualifications and registration confirmation from AHPRA.

Desirable Requirements

  • Qualifications and Checks:
    • Current driver's licence.
    • Eligibility for membership of the Australian Psychological Society and the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.
    • Endorsement as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist under PsyBA.
    • Teaching qualifications and/or Teacher Registration.
    • Working with children check/National police criminal history check.

Role of the School Psychologist

  • Provide psychological services for children and adolescents in schools.
  • Collaborate with staff to support students and families.
  • Focus on maximizing educational outcomes for students by leveraging psychological expertise in educational contexts.

Key Duties

  1. Educational and Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis:

    • Conduct psycho-educational assessments.
    • Use skills for diagnosis based on DSM-IV or ICD-10 criteria.
    • Knowledge of developmental disabilities and normal/abnormal development.
    • Assessment of mental health issues using various tools.

  2. Provide Psychological Counseling:

    • Individual therapy using evidence-based approaches (e.g., CBT, IPT).
    • Group programs for mental health and resilience.
    • Implement preventive and proactive programs (e.g., social skills training).

  3. Plan Interventions Collaboratively:

    • Develop plans with school staff, parents, and external professionals.
    • Understand and accommodate student diversity and inclusion principles.
    • Write reports, maintain communication with stakeholders and advocate for students.

  4. Participate in School Staff Activities:

    • Attend meetings and contribute to policy development.
    • Engage in curriculum development and assist at critical transition points.

  5. Provide Professional Learning:

    • Deliver insights and training to staff and families for improving student outcomes.
    • Articulate the role of the psychologist clearly to the school community.

  6. Assist with Critical Incident Response:

    • Manage traumatic incidents according to best practices.
    • Provide support to students and families in emergencies.
    • Liaise with external services as necessary.

  7. Maintain Records and Compliance:

    • Keep accurate records as mandated and monitor school impact.
    • Inform school leadership of referral and strategy management.

  8. Professional Learning and Development:

    • Adhere to PsyBA's ethics code and engage in continuous education.
    • Participate in peer consultations and negotiate professional learning plans.

  9. Senior Psychologist Responsibilities (if applicable):

    • Supervising provisional psychologists and leading teams.
    • Gathering operational data and managing professional learning budgets.

Other Components of the Position Description

  • Employment Details:

    • Industrial Award and Classification regarding pay and conditions.
    • Context in which the organization operates and management structures.
    • Importance of the organization's Vision, Values, and Mission.
    • Selection processes and criteria for the position.

  • Comments on Employment Classification:

    • School psychologists typically fall under the Teaching Award but may also have a separate Professional Officer Award.
    • Responsibilities may require work outside normal hours for reporting and student sessions.