Job Title: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Special Services

Pay Grade: Admin/Prof 4

Dept./School: Special Services

Work Calendar:  192 Days

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Evaluate, interpret results, and make disability determination decisions for students with disabilities or suspected disabilities as part of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities. Consult with administrators and staff regarding psychological and behavioral issues prevalent in a school-based setting. Responsible for compliance with applicable district, state, and federal regulations relative to evaluation and determination of disability for special education supports and services.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Licensed Specialist in School Psychology licensure from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, including evaluation of emotional functioning, education of students with disabilities, human development, and learning theories
• Proficient in school-based counseling services
• Ability to multi-task
• Excellent organizational, time-management, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Completion of internship required – trainee or higher status

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Assessment

1. Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
3. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers, principal, support staff, parents, and other resource personnel.
4. Conduct classroom observations and personal interviews.
5. Produce Full Individual Evaluation reports reflecting the review and interpretation of assessment data and special education eligibility status.
6. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students, according to district procedures.
7. Conduct psychological evaluations.

Direct Services

1. Provide special education counseling.

Consultation

1. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification.
2. Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEPs.
3. Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
4. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
3. Manage inventory of assessment materials and equipment.
4. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, according to mandated timelines.
6. Complete or supervise the completion of all documentation related to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meetings.
7. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
8. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Communication

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Other

1. Participate in professional and staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. May need to provide supportive and trauma-informed care to students in distress in the context of evaluation or supporting students in crisis.
3. Maintain confidentiality regarding student and coworker information and as required by FERPA.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May supervise Licensed Specialist in School Psychology interns.

 

MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

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 non-ambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; occasional travel district-wide to multiple work locations, as assigned.

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.