Job Title:                      Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Reports to:                   Director of Special Programs

Dept./School:               Campus Assigned        

Wage/Hour Status:      Nonexempt

Pay Grade:                    AS3 – 207 days

Date Revised:               06/12/2024

Primary Purpose:

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) provides psychological, consultative, assessment, behavior management and counseling services to students, parents, and professional staff.  Provide professional oversight for all Special Education students and Special Education referrals related to identification and appropriate documentation of disability and IDEA requirements as assigned.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in Psychology from accredited college or university
• Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in School Psychology granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of practices and procedures for psychological and intellectual measurement
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Knowledge of psycho-social development
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Experience in psychological services or related field, preferably in a school district or, any equivalent combination of education and experience that would provide the above noted knowledge, skill, and ability
• Bilingual preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
General

1. Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
2. Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
3. Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision making.
4. Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
5. Uses time productively on the job.
6. Follows district policies, rules and regulations
7. Accepts supervisory direction
8. Strives to improve job skills
9. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.

Assessment

1. Selects and administers 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. Scores and interprets test data.
3. Develops evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
4. Conducts or participates 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. Conducts school based group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
2. Serves as consultant on mental health topics for school personnel.
3. Consults with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
4. Provides staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
5. Meets with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
6. Consults with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
7. Consults with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.

Program Management

1. Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.**
3. Develops and coordinates a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
4. Assists in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
5. Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
6. Complies 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.
7. Complies with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
8. Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

General

1. Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
2. Maintains a professional relationship with supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Uses effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
4. Participates in staff development activities to improve job-related skills including assigned areas aligned to student needs, disabilities, IDEA, state special education and district guidelines.
5. Keeps informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
6. Compiles, maintains, and files all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
7. Maintains confidentiality.
8. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.**

Equipment Used:

Desktop and laptop computer and presentation technology

Working Conditions:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Exposure to biological hazards.  May be required to work more than 40 hours during the work week.

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

*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 Title 22 Texas Administrative Code §465.6 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 supervise an intern or trainee.