School Psychologist; Special Programs

Overview

Job Title: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)

Dept./School: Special Education

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.

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

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.

None

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 heavy 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 district wide travel

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

• 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).
• 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 a 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.