Job Description: School District Psychologist

Position Title: School Psychologist (District-Wide)

Location: Ketchikan, Alaska

Department: Student Support Services

Reports To: Director of Student Support Services / Special Education Director

Employment Status: Full-Time, Certificated (School Year Contract)

Salary/Benefits: Based on the KGBSD Certified Salary Schedule (Includes competitive regional benefits, health insurance, Alaska Teacher Retirement System [TRS], and potential relocation assistance).

Job Summary

The School District Psychologist plays a critical role in supporting the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success of students, ages 3-21 across the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District. Working as an integral member of multi-disciplinary teams, the School Psychologist conducts comprehensive psychological and educational evaluations, provides consultation to educators and parents, and helps design evidence-based interventions. Given Ketchikan’s unique location and diverse student population, the ideal candidate will utilize trauma-informed principles and culturally responsive practices, collaborating closely with school staff, families, and community partners (including local tribal health organizations).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assessment and Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive psychological, psychoeducational, and behavioral evaluations for students (ages 3 to 21) to determine eligibility for special education services in accordance with IDEA and Alaska State regulations.

• Administer, score, and interpret a variety of standardized assessments covering cognitive, academic, adaptive, and social-emotional functioning.

• As needed, conduct/consult for Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and assist in developing data-driven Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

• Complete comprehensive, legally defensible evaluation reports within federally and state-mandated timelines.

2. Consultation and Collaboration

• Serve as an active, collaborative member of multidisciplinary teams, including Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teams, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams.

• Translate complex evaluation data into meaningful, practical recommendations and remedial techniques for teachers, principals, and parents.

3. Student Intervention and Support

• Assist in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.

• Provide short-term, solution-focused individual or group counseling for students experiencing acute academic, social, or emotional barriers to learning as needed.

• Participate in school-based crisis response teams, conducting threat assessments and self-injurious behavior assessments as required, and providing crisis intervention or grief counseling when necessary.

4. Culturally Responsive & Trauma-Informed Practice

• Infuse trauma-informed principles into daily practice, recognizing the unique historical and environmental factors impacting Southeast Alaskan youth.

• Ensure all evaluation and intervention practices are culturally responsive and supportive of Alaska Native students and families, honoring traditional community values.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Certification

• Minimum: Master’s degree or Specialist degree (Ed.S.) in School Psychology from an NASP-approved, regionally accredited institution.

• Licensure: Must hold, or be immediately eligible for, an Alaska Type C Special Services Certificate with a School Psychologist endorsement from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED).

• National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP) is highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Firm understanding of IDEA law, Section 504 regulations, and Alaska special education compliance standards.

• Proficiency with modern digital data management and special education tracking systems (e.g., SEAS or equivalent).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey clinical concepts compassionately and clearly to non-clinical stakeholders.

• Ability to work well with others, maintaining standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively for extended periods.

• Position requires the ability to remain calm and objective under high-stress conditions, manage conflict constructively, and make critical decisions during student behavioral crises.

To Apply

Interested candidates must submit their application online through the Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP) portal. Please include a current resume, cover letter, copies of certificates/transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.