POSITION TITLE: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology/ Licensed Specialist in School Psychology - Intern

 

EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt

 

REPORTS TO: Coordinator of Behavior Support Services – Special Education & 504

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 11 months, 2024-2025 school year

 

 

Primary Purpose: 

Assist in performing professional psychological and counseling services through assessment and behavior management for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.  Assess the psychological and behavioral needs of students referred to special education services.

 

Qualifications:

 

Education/Certification

Master’s degree in psychology from accredited college or university

In progress of completed program and receiving license for 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 prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions

Knowledge of psycho-social development

Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students

Strong organizational, communication (verbal and written), and interpersonal skills

 

Experience:

Professional experience in an educational setting, preferred

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

 

Assessment and Program Management

• Assist in selecting and administering assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students and to determine eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Assist in scoring and interpreting test data.
• Develop counseling and psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans in cooperation with the LSSP or direct supervisor.
• Participate in 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.
• Serve as case manager, when assigned, and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.

 

 

Consultation

• Under the direction of the LSSP or direct supervisor, conduct group, individual and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• Serve as a resource on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program.
• Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
• Participate in meetings with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
• Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational and emotional needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Assist the LSSP or direct supervisor in developing and coordinating a continuing evaluation of counseling 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 counseling services, assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

 

Communication

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

 

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in professional learning activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• At the direction of the LSSP or direct supervisor, provide training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, computer, peripherals, electronic devices
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing, occasional kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, keyboarding, use of mouse, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds without assistance, 30-55 pounds with assistance, and more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance
• Environment: Work is performed in a classroom and office setting; frequent in-district travel; occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions