JOB TITLE: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Principal and Director of Special Education
DEPT/SCHOOL: Campus Assigned

PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Conduct full individual evaluation assessments to determine special education eligibility and to determine eligibility as Emotionally Disturbed. Assess the need for counseling as a related service. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel and parents to provide an appropriate educational program for students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Master’s Degree or PhD

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Proficiency in psychological testing, education of students with disabilities, State Board of Education Rules, Commissioner’s Rules, and Individuals with Education Disabilities Act-B Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Experience:
Teaching experience preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Program Management:
1. Receive student referrals and implement the evaluation process.

2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.

3. Write Full Individual Evaluation Reports, using data from students’ cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource personnel.

4. Complete all paperwork accurately and provide campus personnel with appropriate forms.

5. Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings.

6. Assist in developing Behavior Intervention Plans.

7. Assist classroom teachers with the implementation of IEP and BIP.

8. Provide related counseling services.

9. Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.

10. Maintain all required reports, records, and other documents.

11. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy in the area of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.

12. Demonstrate the ability to listen well, participate in discussions, convey information, and work together with others at an individual, campus, and district level.

13. Define problems in ways that:
• identify desired goals (e.g., academic/behavioral)
• are measurable
• are agreed upon by those involved
• are linked appropriately to assessment strategies

14. Develop and implement effective interventions that are based upon the data collected and related directly to the desired outcomes of those interventions.

15. Develop technology skills appropriate to job assignment.

16. Facilitate the development of healthy learning environments and reduce divisiveness through the use of conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

17. Assist in facilitating and implementing a variety of research-based instructional methods (e.g., co-teaching, differentiated instruction, class-wide peer tutoring, etc.) to enhance learning of students at the individual, group and district level.

School Climate:
18. Present a positive role model for students that supports the mission of the school district.

19. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.

20. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

21. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

School Improvement:
22. Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities.

23. Assist in the selection of assessment instruments.

24. Incorporate their understanding of the influence of culture, background, and individual learning characteristics when designing and implementing interventions to achieve learning and behavioral outcomes.

25. Shall collaborate with school personnel, parents, students, and the community to provide competent mental health support during and after crises (for example, suicide, death, natural disasters, murder, bombs or bomb threats, extraordinary violence, and sexual harassment).

26. Help parents feel comfortable participating in school functions or activities. These might include providing support for them when participating on special education and I.E.P. teams, encouraging parental involvement in school-wide committees such as school improvement teams, and facilitating home-school communication when problems arise and includes assisting parents in accessing community-based services for their family.

Student Management:
27. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

28. Serve as a resource for parents, teachers, and administrators.

Professional Growth and Development:
29. Develop professional skills appropriate to job assignment.

30. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible

School/Community Relations:
31. Articulate the district’s missions and goals in the area of assessment services to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.

32. Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.

33. Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.

Other:
34.Perform any other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Any interns that may be assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate clearly (verbal and written); ability to instruct; ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to manage multiple priorities and to work at multiple sites as assigned.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Regular district wide travel; multiple work sites; moderate lifting and carrying. May occasionally transport students and/or parents in private car. Biological exposure to communicable diseases.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.