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. Support the district’s behavior classrooms.

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 licensed psychologist granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists*

Special Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge of procedures for assessing emotional, social, 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

Five years’ experience providing psychology services in an educational setting

Assessment

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the emotional, social, 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.
  
  

Consultation

• Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
• 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 district-wide 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, SHARS, 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.
  
  

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: Controlling behavior through physical restraint

Environment: District-wide travel

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

• Note: The correct title for the person holding the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or LSSP. Only individuals who meet the requirements of Title 22 Texas Administrative Code
• 465.6 may refer to themselves as School Psychologists (i.e., hold a doctorate in area of specialization).