School Psychologist

School Psychologist

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.

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 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 preferred providing psychology services in an educational setting

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.
• May serve on district behavioral threat assessment and safe and supportive schools team.

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.
• Display tolerance necessary for accepting supervision for and criticism of job performance.
• Work in harmony with supervisory, faculty, and peer personnel.
• Use professional information discreetly and judiciously.
• Support and follow administrative and Board policy.
• Represent the school system to the community in a positive, professional way.
• Maintain a sincere, friendly attitude toward patrons.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

*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.

** 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.