Primary Purpose:
Perform professional psychological work in assessment, behavior intervention, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Assess the psychological and psycho-educational needs of students referred to special education services.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master's degree in school psychology from accredited college or university
Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in school psychology granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.*
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning for educational purposes.
Knowledge of research-based prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions.
Knowledge of psycho-social development.
Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of procedures for assessing dyslexia
Knowledge of Special Education law
Good writing skills
Strong conflict resolution skills and problem solving ability
Experience:
Two years experience in providing psychology services in an educational setting.
Classroom experience a plus
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Assessment
- Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
- Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine students eligibility for special education ser-vices according to federal and state regulations.
- Score and interpret test data and determine appropriate interventions.
- Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teachers(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
- Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.
- Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans
- Facilitate and coordinate the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
- Schedule Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings and notify all ARD committee members.
- Complete all Admission, Review, and Dismissal paperwork, documents, and forms and give copies to campus, parents, and Special Education Office.
- Serves as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.
- Select and administer assessments of referral student and to determine students eligibility for dyslexia services according to federal and state regulations.
Consultation
- Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
- Assist classroom teachers with implementation and development of IEP.
- Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
- Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
- Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
- Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
- Consult with psychologist, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
Program Management
- Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
- May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.**
- Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
- Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
- Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of psychological services, assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
- Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignments.
- Assist counselors in scheduling classes for students in Special Education.
Communication
- Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
Other
- Be trained in restraint and 1196.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May be required to supervise a practicum student, intern, or trainee.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities. May be required to restrain students or assist in restraint.
*Note: The correct title for the person holding the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or LSSP. Only individuals who meet the requirements of Chapter 22 Texas Administrative Code 467.2 may refer to themselves as school psychologists (i.e., hold a doctorate in area of specialization).
**Note: An LSSP must have a minimum of three years of experience providing psychological services in the public school to provide supervision of an intern or trainee.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
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