Primary Purpose:

Implement the special education evaluation process.  Access the educational, learning styles, and program needs of students referred to special education services.  Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification: 

Master’s Degree in School Psychology or related field

Valid Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychologist (LSSP)

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid   by employee.

Required Experience:

No prior experience necessary

Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures and education of special education students.

Knowledge of human development and learning theories

Knowledge of emotional/social/behavior

Counseling and consultation coursework

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Proficient in Microsoft office skills

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community. 

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management

The LSSP promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following: 

• Collects and organizes relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource providers.
• Conducts classroom observations and student, staff, and parent interviews.
• Participates in the Individual Education Plan Committee to committee to communicate findings of assessment data in language that is understandable to staff and parents, and assist with appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
• Receives student referrals and implement the evaluation process.
• Selects and administers formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations. 

Organization Management

The LSSP manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following: 

• As a member of the Psychological Services team, assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Compiles, maintains, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Complies with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Complies with district, state, and federal policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services within specified timelines.
• Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents. 

Organization Climate

The LSSP fosters a positive school or organization morale through activities such as the following: 

• Attends Individual Education Plan meetings as necessary for counseling students and maintain communication with Individual Education Plan Committee facilitators, case managers and administrators.
• Updates goals for counseling in special education software program at students Annual Individual Education Plan or a Brief Individual Education Plan Committee. 
• Updates progress every grading period in special education software program for progress reporting paired with report cards. 

Organization Improvement

The LSSP promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following: 

• Consults with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance work with students.
• Consult swith school staff regarding pre-referral interventions regarding students’ emotional/behavioral needs.
• Refers parents to appropriate agencies independently or as a member of a related services team.
• Supports and assists classroom teachers with implementation of Individual Education Plans. 

Communication and Community Relations

The LSSP promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following: 

• Cultivates positive and effective relationships with students, parents, community members, colleagues, campus administration and supervisors.
• Uses effective communication skills, written and oral, to present information accurately and clearly to students, parents and staff.
• Responds to emails/phone calls and other inquiries as appropriate according to special services guidelines. 

Student Management

The LSSP promotes positive student conduct through activities such as the following: 

• Conducts counseling evaluations to place students in counseling or dismiss students from counseling following the evaluation guidelines as outlined in the district, state and federal policies.
• Provides Special Education counseling as determined for students through the Individual Education Plan Committee process. 

Professional Growth and Development

The LSSP provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following: 

• Provides parent and family training across the district as assigned by supervisor in collaboration with social work or school counselors.
• Provides staff development training as directed by supervisor to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with emotional/behavioral needs.
• Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Participates actively in professional associations.
• Disseminates ideas and information to other professionals.

Qualities of an Effective LSSP

The LSSP exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Complies with District and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Compiles, maintains and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None

Equipment:

Personal computer, printer, calculator, copier, shredder, fax machine, telephone, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Work with frequent interruption and maintain emotional control under stress.
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple locations as assigned.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, reading, pulling, pushing, lifting, and moderate carrying.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours to complete a project. 

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.