School Psychologist

SUMMARY:

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.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.
• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

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 interns or trainees. *

*A School Psychologist must have a minimum of three years of experience providing psychological services in the public school to supervise an intern or trainee.

Policy, Reports, and Law
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:
• Master's Degree in Psychology from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas License as a School Psychologists or Trainee Status Letter issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists**

**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 School Psychologist until licensure is confirmed by TSBEP in writing.

Experience:
• One year experience providing psychology services in an educational setting

SPECIAL KNOWLEGDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• 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 organizational, communication, teambuilding, and interpersonal skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:
• May direct and monitor the work of Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Interns assigned.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

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

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

Motion:
• Frequent walking; grasping/squeezing, writ flexion/extension, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

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:
• Therapy and evaluations must be completed on-site from assigned school or building, regular exposure to noise and computer monitors
• Remote work available when not required on-site and approved by department supervisor
• Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases
• Frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands:
• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

INTENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.