Job Title: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt-Professional
Reports to: Director for Special Education
Pay Grade: 3
Administrative Education Pay Plan: Dept. School Special Education Department
Initiated Date: March 10, 2006
Funding Source: 192 Special Education, Local
Revised Date: February 16, 2021
District Primary Purpose: To assist and promote La Joya ISD in implementing a rigorous curriculum and instructional program that supports student success and achievement.
Department Primary Purpose: Provide full individual educational and psychological assessments, behavioral management recommendations, and treatment consultations to students with disabilities.
Qualifications:
Education: • Ph.D. preferred • Masters Degree in psychology from an accredited college or university • Completion of 1200 clock hours in supervised school psychology internship, with 600 hours in the school setting
Certification: • Valid Texas license specialist in school psychology granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist
Experience: • One year of experience in providing psychology services in an educational setting
Knowledge and Skills: • Knowledge of Federal guidelines applicable to Special Educational students • 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 • Bilingual/bicultural preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students referred through the Student Assistance Program and Coordinator for Guidance & Counseling. • Score and interpret test data. • Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans. • Provide behavioral interventions for students. • Conduct group, individual, and behavioral interventions to students. • Serve as a consultant on mental health topics for instructors in school health. • Consult with school staff regarding the implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behavioral disruptive students. • Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances. • Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results. • Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessments data. • Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed. • Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents. • Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment. • 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. • Assist in organizing and carrying out necessary interventions, including managing crisis situations immediately and professionally. • Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations. • Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment. • Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors. • Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents. • Maintain confidentiality of all student information and all aspects of the special education department. • Perform other duties pertaining to special education as assigned by the director. • Follow all Work from Home Protocols when working remotely.
Working Conditions:
Mental Demands: • Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written, in English and Spanish • Interpret policy and procedures • Maintain emotional control under stress
Physical Demands: • Environmental Factors: Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned, light lifting and carrying • Work Prolonged or Irregular Hours: 202 Days