PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) implements, upon pupil referral, the assessment of behavioral and emotional factors that may be contributing to the pupil’s educational performance.  Also, serves as general appraisal person on assigned campuses.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Certification Requirements

• Master’s degree
• Licensure by Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists

• Valid Texas Driver’s License

• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to administer, interpret, and provide appropriate psychological, intelligence and achievement assessment instruments
• Ability to prepare appropriate individual education plans (IEPs)
• Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to special education
• Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning
• Knowledge of curriculum in grades PK through 12
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organization and communication (written and oral)
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents to establish working relationships with campus staff and district staff
• Ability to identify and collaborate with RtI and Section 504 district staff to meet student needs

Experience

• Experience working with school-aged children. May be as a part of university training.
• Experience administering, interpreting, and providing appropriate psychological, intelligence and achievement assessment instruments. May be as a part of university training

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.)

• Communicate with campus staff and district staff on continuous ongoing basis.
• Establishes and maintains rapport with students, teachers, colleagues, administrators, and community agencies
• Reviews referrals and all preliminary data for students on assigned campuses
• Administers individual academic, intelligence and projective tests to prospective special education students within appropriate/compliant timeframes
• Organizes test and observational data into written report identifying areas of strengths and weaknesses and making specific behavior management recommendations
• Collects all evaluation data and schedules meetings of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee
• Serves on the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee as needed
• Collaborates with appropriate educational staff members to develop an appropriate educational plan for students on assigned campuses or other assigned locations of duty
• Holds parent conferences to interpret test results and to make recommendations for programming or further diagnosis when appropriate
• Serves as a resource person to school personnel and outside agencies for the interchange of information regarding special education programs, rules, and local policies
• Provides support to student, staff, and parents as it relates to a student’s educational program
• Provides individual and/or group counseling for students concerning school-related problems
• Plans and conducts training sessions to address student needs
• Assists in collection of statistical data required for evaluation of the program and for reports required by the Texas Education Agency and the federal government
• Arranges for the transfer of special education students into Judson ISD
• Holds consent meetings with parents of students who have been referred to special education for assessment
• Reviews psychological assessment data from outside agencies (psychologists, psychiatric hospitals, etc.) in order to determine eligibility of students for Special Education services
• Reviews records and holds meetings on Special Education students recommended for expulsion in order to determine if handicap is related to expellable offense
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics        
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Assigned by Supervising Psychologist

Equipment Used: 

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions
• Time Management

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.