Licensed Specialist School Psychologist

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.
 
Qualifications:
 Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in psychology from an 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:

• 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

 
Experience:

• Two years experience providing psychology services in an educational setting

 Major Responsibilities and Duties:
 
Assessment

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students. Determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
• Conduct or participate 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.
• May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.

 
Consultation

• Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results. Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students, interpretation of assessment data, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
• Present staff development training in assigned schools to enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.

Program Management

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
• Participate in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
           
Working Conditions:
 
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
• Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non ambulatory students
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

 
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt      
 
Pay Grade: Teacher, Nurse (RN), Librarians Plan                      

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
  
The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.