Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Reports to:                 Director of Special Education                           Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional

Days Employed:         192                                                               Pay Grade:  AP4 Stipend

District(s):                 Hitchcock ISD                                                 School Year: 2024-2025

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)

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
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Two years’ experience providing psychology services in an educational setting

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

1. Select and administer assessments and conduct observations to evaluate the emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students. Determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
2. Develop psychological evaluation reports to include Functional Behavior Assessments and behavior management plans.
3. Attend and 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.
4. Attend and conduct Manifestation Determination Review meetings
5. Attend and conduct monthly Child Find Arenas

Consultation

1. Contact parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
2. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students, interpretation of assessment data, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.
3. Present staff development training in assigned schools to enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
4. Be able to refer parent to appropriate community agencies and resources for out-of-school assistance.

Program Management

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
2. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
3. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
3. Any other duties as directed by the Director of Special Education.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

Salary : $61,332 - $84,408