Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)

Primary Purpose:

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, and if eligible, work collaboratively with instructional personnel to facilitate appropriate services and positively impact student outcome.

Qualifications for Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

      Education/Certification:

      Master’s Degree from an accredited institution

      Valid Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) granted 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 providing psychological services in an educational setting; three years preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

1. Receive initial student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
2. Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students to help determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
3. Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans reflecting the review and interpretation of evaluation data and special education eligibility criteria.
4. As needed, participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and develop of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
5. When warranted, collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers, campus administration, support staff, parents, and other resource personnel.
6. Serve on the assessment team for the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) and help facilitate Child Find, if needed.

Consultation

1. Consult with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results and the impact to learning.
2. Consult with parents, teachers and relevant staff concerning the education needs of students, inclusive of transitional planning, interpretation of assessment data, impact to learning, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.
3. As needed, consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students.
4. Serve on the special education site-based management team.
5. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to highlight key components of IDEA and enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students identified with emotional, social, and behavioral disabilities.

Program Management

1. Paramount compliance to federal and state mandated timelines.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on evidence-based strategies and best practices.
3. Implement and coordinate special education assessment, behavioral and counseling services at assigned campuses.
4. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
6. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
7. Complete or supervise the completion of all documentation related to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee meetings, as needed.
8. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
9. Participate in professional seminars, conferences and workshops in an effort to remain aware of current trends and issues related to job assignment.
10. Assist in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel, as requested.

Communication

1. Maintain professionalism by effectively communicating with supervisors, colleagues, students, and parents.

    2. Monitor and update staff on current district effectiveness and compliance.

Additional Duties as Assigned:Student Counseling 

1. Conduct individual and/or group counseling for special education students with presenting needs and concerns as outlined in the EP.
2. Use accepted counseling theories and techniques to assist in facilitating access to grade level curriculum.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. May provide clinical supervision to LSSP practicum students and interns on an as needed basis.
2. May provide mentorship to new hires, as warranted.

Equipment Familiarity:    

    1.Regular district travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

    2. Moderate lifting and carrying of assessment materials.

    3. Maintain emotional control under stress.

    4. The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equipment Familiarity:

      Experience working with eSPED, MS Office Suite, Google email/drive

Working Conditions:

      Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

              Maintain emotional control under stress.

              Regular district travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

              Moderate lifting and carrying of assessment materials.