Job Title

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) or Trainee Status Letter issued 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 Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Experience: One year experience providing psychology services in an educational setting Major Responsibilities and Duties: Assessment * Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students. Determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations. * 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 procedures. * May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses. Consultation * Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results. Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems. * 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. * Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed. * 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. Program Management * Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings. * Participate in the selection of assessment materials and equipment. * Compile, maintain, and file all 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. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations. * May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.* Other * Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. 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 NOTES: * The correct title for the person holding a specialist in school psychology license is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), or the individual may use the title School Psychologist as referenced in Texas Education Code § 21.003. An LSSP who has achieved certification as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) may use this credential along with the license title of LSSP (Title 22 Texas Administrative Code § 465.38(c). An individual who has completed an internship, applied for a license, and been approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) will be issued a Trainee Status Letter and will maintain this status for a maximum of one calendar year until he or she passes the Jurisprudence Exam. A trainee must be under the supervision of an LSSP until licensure is confirmed by TSBEP in writing. * An LSSP must have a minimum of three years of experience providing psychological services in the public school to supervise an intern or trainee.