Job Title:  Licensed Specialist in School Psychology                     Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt
Reports to:  Director of Special Education                                      Pay Grade: Admin 2 Days: 197

 

Primary Purpose:

Perform professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, 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 psychology from accredited college or university
Valid Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) 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
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
 
Experience:
Two years’ experience providing psychology services in an educational setting
Three years’ experience providing psychological services in the public school to provide supervision of an intern or trainee**
 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

1. Select and administer formal and informal psychological/behavioral evaluations to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
2. Accurately score and interpret assessment data to make decisions concerning eligibility and programming.
3. Write psychological reports consistent with criteria established by Texas Education Agency (TEA) and federal law.
4. Assist in compilation of formal and informal behavioral assessment. This would include classroom observation and structured interviews.
5. Assist in the compilation of data necessary to complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment, and Behavior Intervention Plan, as needed.
6. Assist in autism evaluations to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state guidelines.
7.  Conduct or 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.
8. Serves as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses, as needed.

Consultation

9. Provide informal consultation with teachers, administrators and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
10. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
11. Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
12. Provide formal consultation concerning a specific student with special needs after parent permission has been obtained.
13. Provide staff development training in schools to assist school personnel understand how to identify, understand, and remediate or teach compensation skills for specific areas of concern.
14. Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and assessment results.
15. Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans/IEPs and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.

IEP Development and Program

16. Assist in the development of Behavior Intervention Plans/IEPs and appropriate behavioral accommodations.
17. Conduct group, individual, and/or family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.

School Visitation

18. Establish and maintain campus visitation.
19. Observe informal interactions between teacher(s) and student(s).
20. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Communication

21. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
22. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
23. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

Program Management/License

24. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment and obtain appropriate number of continuing education hours necessary to maintain license(s).
25. Develop and coordinates a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and makes changes based on findings.
26. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
27. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and local board policy in the areas of evaluation, placement, and planning for special education services.
28. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
29. Provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee, as needed.
30. Maintain ethical standards as required by the state psychology board.
31. Complete all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee, as needed.
 
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.
 
 
*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.
 
 
Note: This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.