UTRGV-School Psychology Intern

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To enhance the knowledge and skills of district staff as they implement a student-learning framework that will focus on rigorous instruction, emotional intelligence and competitive job skills for students; provide services to students, parents and school personnel in consultation, assessment, interventions, prevention and educational strategies for students. The primary role to students will be to provide mental health services to students with emotional and/or behavior problems/concerns as preventative way to help them develop the skills necessary to function successfully within the least restrictive setting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:


Bachelor's Degree in psychology or related field, required

Eligible for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Requires current enrollment in a regionally accredited college or university school psychology program or approved/accredited by the American Psychological Association or the National Association of School Psychologists, or a graduate degree in psychology with specified course work.

Requires a letter from the University stating eligibility for School Psychology Internship

Special Knowledge/Skills:


Communicate effectively (verbal and written); understand needs of and programs for students with disabilities; utilize interpersonal skills; plan, organize and coordinate districtwide services, able to administer and interpret assessments in English/Spanish, preferred


Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions


Knowledge of psycho-social development


When working on cases for special education, be knowledgeable of procedures for assessing achievement and intelligence, emotional and behavioral functioning for educational purposes


Ability to prepare appropriate individual education plans (IEPs)


Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

Experience: Teaching experience, preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Consultation

1. Provides sound and effective prevention strategies to teachers, parents and administrators about students' concerns regarding their emotional and/or behavioral wellbeing.
2. Assists others to understand child development and physical factors and how they affect learning and
3. Strengthens working relationships among educators, parents and community
4. When working on Special Education cases, be knowledgeable in the ARD process when representing assessment, and when consulting with other members of the ARD committee as necessary.

Intervention

1. Works face-to-face with students, parents and school staff concerning resolution of school issues, crises and problems with the students' total education performance.
2. Assists in solving conflicts and problems in the student's learning and adjustment in the school
3. Provides opportunities for psychological counseling with
4. Facilitates design of social skills training, behavior intervention plans and other
5. Assists parents in arriving at effective solutions to their children's learning
6. Assists teachers, administrators, and parents in designing an educational program for the student that addresses the student's emotional/behavioral and academic needs.

Prevention

1. Identifies potential emotional/behavioral
2. Designs programs for children at risk of
3. Provides parents and teachers with the opportunity to acquire skills in order to cope and manage student's maladaptive behaviors.
4. Follow the RtI/MTSS policy of the district on a case-by-case basis (case management)

Education

1. Makes available presentations on relevant
2. Works with teachers, administrators and parents on developing content and instructional

Special Education Assessment

1. Works as a part of the student's multidisciplinary team that assesses, develops and implements an individual education plan and related services.
2. Uses a wide variety of techniques with students for
3. Performs the duties expected of an educational diagnostician in the event such assignments are
4. Compiles test data and writes psychological reports, counseling evaluations, FBA's, and applicable eligibility
5. Provides useful interpretation of assessment that will inform the parents, the teachers, and
6. Participates in team assessment, such as FBA's, autism,

Personal and Professional Management

1. Participates in professional development activities as required by internship program and grant requirements.
2. Keeps current in the laws, literature, research and educational
3. Attends appropriate staff
4. Demonstrates loyalty within a team approach to District's philosophy and
5. Effectively participate in meetings, parent conferences, transition meetings, and other related meetings.
6. Assist school personnel and parents in planning and implementing the Behavior Intervention Plan
7. Follow the McAllen ISD customer service standards
8. Performs all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or
9. Performs other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator)

GRANT FUNDED POSITION: To be eligible for this position, intern must be enrolled in the UTRGV School Psychology Program.

Working Days: 187

Annual Salary: $56,000 based on 187 days

Note: Position is grant funded and at a set salary and will be prorated based on actual days worked.