School Psychologist - Special Education

Overview

Primary

Purpose:

Conducts formal psychological evaluations of various target student populations for special education eligibility, planning, placement and consultation with or referral to available resources. Provide psychological services to special education students.

Education/Certification: Master’s degree and valid license issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, or eligibility as LSSP Intern under TSBEP regulations.

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. Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students.

Experience: Two years experience in providing psychology services in an educational setting, preferred.

• 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.
• 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.

• Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• 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 interns or trainees.
• 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.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students and parents.

May be required to supervise a practicum student, intern, or trainee.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities. May be…