Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (Bilingual or Monolingual)

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.

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in 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 psycho-social development
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning for educational purposes
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Two years’ experience in providing psychology services in an educational setting;  *an LSSP must have a minimum of three years of experience providing a psychological service in the public school to provide supervision of an intern or trainee.

Essential Job Functions:

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.

• Score and interpret test data.

• Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.

• 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 policy.

• May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.

• Conduct group, individual and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructions in the school health program.

• 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 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.

• 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 assignment.

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors and coworkers.

• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:   

None

Equipment used:

Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment

Working Conditions

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

Lifting (15-44 pounds)

Carrying (15-44 pounds)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Environmental Factors:

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

Work prolonged or irregular hours