What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Psychologist position at Cotulla ISD?
Job Title: School Psychologist
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional
Reports to: Coordinator of Special Education
Work Year: 195-207 days (depending on district policy)
Dept./School: Assigned Campus(es)
Pay Grade: Administrative Pay Scale, Grade 3
Primary Purpose:
The School Psychologist will provide a wide range of psychological services to students, parents, and school staff, with a focus on evaluating social, emotional, and behavioral needs, especially for students with disabilities. This role includes consultation, counseling, and serving as part of the multidisciplinary team to ensure compliance with legal and educational standards for special education services. The psychologist will also provide guidance in the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and support for interventions, ensuring that the district delivers quality psychological and special education services.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Master’s, Specialist’s, or Doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited university
- Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) certification by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists required
- Knowledge of state and federal laws governing special education and psychological assessments
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written)
- Proficiency in interpreting psychological assessments, including academic, functional, and behavioral evaluations
- Expertise in behavior management interventions, counseling techniques, and strategies for students with disabilities
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate district-wide psychological services
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and students
- Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) preferred
Experience:
- Minimum of two (2) years of supervised professional experience in a school setting after obtaining the required degree
- Experience with Full and Individual Evaluations (FIE)
- Internship or supervised experience in school psychology
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Assessment and Evaluation
- Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments to evaluate social, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students referred for special education services.
- Administer and interpret psychological assessments to determine educational disability and eligibility for special education services.
- Provide full and individual evaluations and psychological evaluations in compliance with district timelines and guidelines.
- Participate in ARD meetings to assist in determining eligibility and educational needs and develop appropriate IEPs.
Consultation and Support
- Provide consultation to teachers, parents, and staff on behavior management and intervention strategies.
- Offer ongoing support for the implementation of special education
- Assist in providing training on state and federal regulations, procedural safeguards, and special education policies.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the academic success and well-being of students with disabilities.
- Support the creation and implementation of behavioral and educational
Service Delivery
- Provide individual and/or group counseling to students as required by their
- Continuously monitor and adjust interventions to ensure effective student
- Support classroom staff in implementing educational strategies and interventions to promote student independence and success.
Administrative and Compliance
- Maintain accurate documentation for all evaluations, reports, and services in compliance with district policies and legal requirements.
- Compile, file, and manage required reports within the district’s special education management system.
- Monitor compliance with timelines for evaluations, ARD meetings, and IEP
- Participate in professional development and district-wide meetings to stay current with best practices and legal requirements.
- Attendance is an essential job
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands:
- Maintain emotional control under stress
- Manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Physical Demands:
- Occasional prolonged hours and travel between campuses
- Lifting of testing materials up to 10
- Possible physical assistance for students with disabilities
Environmental Factors:
- Occasional exposure to biological hazards
- May be required to de-escalate challenging behavior using verbal de-escalation strategies or trained restraint techniques
Salary : $400 - $499