Licensed Specialist in School Psychologist Position 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.
Essential Performance Responsibilities - Conducts psychological assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to maximize learning and overcoming psychological issues.
- Conducts individual, group or facilitative therapy for students whose diagnosed problems would benefit from behavior modification or differentiated instruction.
- Assists with the identification and placement of all types of exceptional students.
- Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with psychological services.
- Attends PPT meetings as needed for students with special needs.
- Serves as a resource and consultant on mental health and child psychology, conducts in-service programs as requested.
- Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
- Serves as ready resource to students to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and maturity.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records
Assessment - 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 procedures.
Consultation - Conduct group and individual counseling sessions for students with diagnosed problems.
- Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructors 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.
Program Management - Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parent.
- 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 planningfor 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.
Communication - Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
Additional Duties Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Travel Requirements Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Knowledge of child psychology principles, assessments, methods, behavior modification, etc., and current developments in child psychology.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards Works in standard office and school building environments.
Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.
Qualifications Profile - 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*
FLSA Status: Exempt