School Psychologist – Remote, Full‑Time Leave‑Coverage Specialist for Elementary Education (December 2023 – May 2024)

Join Woodridge Elementary School District 68 – Empower Young Minds from Anywhere

Woodridge Elementary School District 68 is a vibrant, community‑focused district in the heart of Illinois, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusive education, and holistic student well‑being. As we prepare for a pivotal leave‑of‑absence period, we are seeking a seasoned School Psychologist to partner with our teachers, families, and administrators in delivering evidence‑based mental health support, data‑driven interventions, and comprehensive assessment services—all from the comfort of your home office.

Why This Role Matters

Children’s emotional, social, and cognitive development is the cornerstone of lifelong learning. In our district, school psychologists are not just consultants; they are trusted collaborators who shape school culture, guide individualized education plans (IEPs), and champion preventive mental health strategies. This remote, fully‑covered position offers you the chance to make a measurable impact on a diverse elementary population while enjoying flexibility, competitive compensation, and a supportive professional community.

Position Snapshot

• Title: Remote School Psychologist – Leave‑of‑Absence Coverage
• Employment Type: Full‑time (5 days/week), contract covering December 4 2023 – May 22 2024
• Location: Meadowview Elementary School (Remote work from any location within Illinois)
• Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience and district pay scales
• Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled

Core Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day

As the primary psychologist covering the leave of absence, you will be integral to student success across multiple domains. Below is a detailed breakdown of your day‑to‑day duties:

• Teacher Support Team Collaboration – Attend weekly Teacher Support Team meetings to co‑design classroom interventions, curriculum modifications, and behavior‑support plans that enhance student performance and adjustment.
• Psychological Assessment & Eligibility Determination – Conduct standardized assessments (e.g., WISC‑V, K‑BIT, BASC‑3), interpret results, and draft comprehensive reports to determine eligibility for special education services.
• Classroom Observation & Functional Behavior Analysis – Perform systematic observations to evaluate student behavior, academic skills, and social‑emotional functioning, providing actionable feedback to teachers.
• Multidisciplinary & IEP Conferences – Participate actively in multidisciplinary team meetings and IEP conferences, presenting psychological findings, suggesting measurable goals, and ensuring compliance with IDEA and state regulations.
• Preschool Screening & Early Identification – Review screening data for preschoolers, collaborate with early‑intervention specialists, and communicate findings to families and staff.
• Parent & Staff Consultation – Offer evidence‑based guidance on child development, preventive mental health strategies, and classroom management techniques to parents and school personnel.
• Liaison with External Agencies – Coordinate services and information exchange with community mental‑health agencies, healthcare providers, and social service organizations.
• Intern Supervision & Mentorship – Train, supervise, and evaluate psychology interns, fostering a pipeline of future professionals.
• Professional Development & In‑service Training – Design and deliver in‑service workshops on topics such as trauma‑informed practices, SEL (Social‑Emotional Learning), and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Special Education Record Review – Examine incoming student records, summarize critical information, and advise staff on transition planning.
• Individual & Group Counseling – Provide confidential counseling services to students and small groups, addressing academic anxiety, peer relationships, and coping skills.
• Crisis Intervention – Respond promptly to emergent situations, applying de‑escalation techniques and collaborating with crisis teams, especially for students with special‑education eligibility.

Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring

• Certification: Valid Illinois School Psychologist (SPSY) endorsement as defined by the State Board of Education.
• Education: Master’s degree or higher in School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Licensure: Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with SPSY endorsement; eligibility for Illinois Certificate of Clinical Psychological Services (CCPS) is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience delivering school‑based psychological services in an elementary setting, including assessment, counseling, and IEP participation.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with digital assessment platforms (e.g., Assessment Management Systems), data‑analysis software, and virtual meeting tools (Zoom, Teams).
• Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of IDEA, FERPA, and state special‑education statutes.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Professionalism: Demonstrated ethical practice, confidentiality, and cultural competence.

Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart

• Experience with Remote/Tele‑psychology service delivery and virtual classroom environments.
• Certification in trauma‑informed practices or evidence‑based intervention models such as PBIS, CBT, or MTSS.
• Experience supervising psychology interns or student teachers.
• Additional language proficiency (e.g., Spanish) to support multilingual families.
• Membership in professional organizations such as NASP (National Association of School Psychologists) or APA (American Psychological Association).

Key Skills & Competencies – Your Success Toolkit

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to synthesize assessment data, behavioral observations, and academic performance into comprehensive reports.
• Collaboration: Strong team player who fosters productive relationships with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners.
• Problem‑Solving: Creative development of tailored interventions that address complex student needs.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating the nuances of remote work while maintaining high service quality.
• Empathy & Cultural Sensitivity: Deep respect for diverse backgrounds and the capacity to build trust with all stakeholders.
• Time Management: Efficiently juggle multiple caseloads, deadlines, and concurrent meetings.
• Technology Literacy: Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, learning management systems (LMS), and virtual conferencing platforms.

Career Growth & Professional Development

Woodridge Elementary School District 68 invests heavily in employee growth. As a remote School Psychologist, you will enjoy:

• Continuing Education Stipends: Financial support for conferences, workshops, and graduate courses.
• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior district psychologists for knowledge sharing and career guidance.
• Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to transition into supervisory or district‑wide specialist roles after the contract period.
• Research Collaboration: Participation in district‑sponsored research projects on SEL, mental health trends, and intervention efficacy.
• Professional Network: Access to a robust community of educators, psychologists, and health professionals across the region.

Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Be Part of Our Team

Our district’s culture is defined by collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of student success. Even though this role is remote, you will remain closely connected to the school community through:

• Virtual Communities of Practice: Regularly scheduled online forums for sharing resources and best practices.
• Flexibility: Ability to structure your workday around client needs while balancing personal commitments.
• Diverse Student Population: Serve a rich mosaic of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, enhancing your professional breadth.
• Supportive Administration: Open‑door policy with district leaders who value input from mental‑health professionals.
• Well‑Being Initiatives: Access to employee assistance programs, mindfulness sessions, and wellness resources.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits – What We Offer

While specific salary figures will align with district pay scales and your experience level, the following benefits are standard for this role:

• Competitive Salary: Reflective of expertise, certification, and market standards.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents.
• Retirement Savings: Participation in the district’s 403(b) plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and personal days accrued throughout the contract period.
• Professional Liability Insurance: Coverage for clinical practice.
• Technology Stipend: Support for home‑office equipment, high‑speed internet, and software licenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and resources for personal or family concerns.