Job Title:  Psychological Associate                                        Wage/Hour Status:  

Reports to:    LSSP and Special Education Director                 Pay Grade:

Dept./School:   Special Education                                        Date Revised: 05/26/2022

Primary Purpose:

Perform professional psychological work, under the supervision of a licensed specialist in school psychology, in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Assess the psycho-educational needs of students referred to special education services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Pursuing a Master’s degree in educational psychology from accredited college or university

Currently enrolled and in good academic standing in a school psychology specialization program

Has demonstrated mastery in foundational school psychology coursework including assessment, intervention, and ethical practice.

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

Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

None necessary, though experience in working with children ages 3-21 is preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

1. Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
2. Score and interpret test data.
3. Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
4. 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.
5. May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.

Consultation

1. Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
2. Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program.
3. Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
4. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
5. Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
6. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
7. Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
3. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
4. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
5. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of psychological services, assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
6. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
7. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Communication

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

*Note: 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 Chapter 22 Texas Administrative Code §467.2 may refer to themselves as school psychologists (i.e., hold a doctorate in area of specialization).

**Note: An LSSP must have a minimum of three years of experience providing psychological services in the public school to provide supervision of an intern or trainee.