School Psychologist

• Consult with education team to develop, maintain and implement behavior plans and treatment plans for students with various developmental disabilities.
• Participate in Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings.
• Assist with daily operation of the educational command structure.
• Responsible for modeling and monitoring the behavior plans in order to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional methods, techniques and behavior management strategies.
• Administer standardized, norm referenced tests of adaptive skills, language skills, social skills and instructional performance to determine placement and eligibility.
• Provide behavior support to employees and students, including one-on-one assistance as needed.
• Address staff, parents, and other stakeholders regarding behavior related questions and concerns for student programs.
• Conduct initial assessments for incoming and current students to determine environmental strategies.
• Collect and analyze evidence based data for progress monitoring.
• Work with a variety of students within the Autism Spectrum or with other Developmental Disabilities.
• Ability to exercise appropriate emergency behavior management techniques.
• Follow appropriate chain of command when faced with concerns related to students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and personal accountability; looks for ways to improve or promote program quality assurance.
• Attend meetings and trainings, including presenting assessment results and progress to education team.
• Adheres to all VAC policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Exemplifies VAC’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Experience in related setting.
• Previous experience in conducting assessment and creating instructional or behavioral programming.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Microsoft Office, Word and Excel, specifically graphing and data analysis software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques and best practice outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to work as a team, actively participate and collaborate with other team members.
• Knowledge of behavior emergency management.
• Ability to maintain composure, remains objective, demonstrate sound judgment and react effectively in challenging situations.
• Must possess competencies to think analytically and problem solving to produce positive outcomes.
• Prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities required.
• Flexible and adaptable to program and organizational changes.
• Exhibits a positive, solution oriented and motivating demeanor at all times.

• Master’s degree in School Psychology with PPS credential, or equivalent per California Department of Education requirements.

• Lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs.
• Frequent squatting, sitting, walking, standing, bending and twisting, kneeling, crawling, climbing.
• Simple grasping with both hands and fine manipulation with both hands.
• Occasional running, pushing and pulling, reaching above and below shoulder level.
• Regular exposure to excessive noise levels.
• Walking and running on uneven surfaces.
• Regular exposure to outside elements, including excessive heat, direct sunlight, cold, wind or rain.

• CPR/First Aid or obtain within 3 months of employment and kept current throughout duration of employment.

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

• Certified School Psychologist (Required)

Valley Achievement Center (VAC) was founded by Jolene Billinger and Bonny Hulsy. These two passionate mothers of children with autism had a vision to help many families like them in our community. VAC’s Basic Education Program was established to provide a progressive, positive and well-staffed school that would use proven research based techniques to help children with autism attain their educational goals and improve functional skills. VAC quickly developed a reputation for making substantial progress with its students. As a result, increasing numbers of children were referred to VAC. When parents expressed a need for afterschool adaptive skills and social skills programs for their children with autism, VAC established its Intermediate Afterschool (ages 6 through 9) and Afterschool (ages 10 through 22) programs, as well as its Social Skills Program (ages 6 through 18) to meet the need. As those children who attended VAC became adults, it became clear that they and other adults in the community with autism and other developmental disabilities would continue to require ongoing support and services. In response, VAC opened its Adult Services programs, which include supported living, supported employment, and its adult behavioral day program, to continue to meet the needs of its clients and to ensure that, regardless of age, individuals in our community with autism and other developmental disabilities will have the support they need to achieve their goals and thrive. VAC currently has 12 programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Our more than 300 employees operate out of our four sites in Bakersfield, providing exceptional service to our wonderful clients and their families.