Licensed Specialist in School Psychology
Reports to: Director of Special Education Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional
Days Employed: 192 Pay Grade: AP4 + Stipend
District(s): Hitchcock ISD School Year: 2024-2025
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 accredited college or university
- Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP)
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:
Two years’ experience providing psychology services in an educational setting
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Assessment
- Select and administer assessments and conduct observations to evaluate the emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students. Determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
- Develop psychological evaluation reports to include Functional Behavior Assessments and behavior management plans.
- Attend and 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.
- Attend and conduct Manifestation Determination Review meetings
- Attend and conduct monthly Child Find Arenas
Consultation
- Contact parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
- 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.
- 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.
- Be able to refer parent to appropriate community agencies and resources for out-of-school assistance.
Program Management
- 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.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
Other
- Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
- Any other duties as directed by the Director of Special Education.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
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 (less than 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory 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 |