The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.
Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (ACES)
School Psychologist – Admissions, Placement, and Program Consultation
East Valley
Position Summary
The School Psychologist – Admissions, Placement, and Program Consultation serves as a senior-level consultant and liaison between Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (ACES), school districts, charter schools, families, and community partners. This position focuses on admissions, placement recommendations, program alignment, and special education consultation rather than the administration of psychoeducational evaluations.
The School Psychologist provides expertise in special education law, disability characteristics, educational programming, behavioral supports, and student services to ensure students are appropriately matched to ACES programs and receive the supports necessary for success. This position serves as a key member of the leadership team, supporting student access, district partnerships, compliance awareness, and program development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Admissions, Placement, and Program Consultation
- Review referral packets, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) reports, Reevaluation Determinations (REDs), behavioral data, functional assessments, and other educational records.
- Interpret psychoeducational evaluations and assessment data to assist district partners in determining appropriate services and placements.
- Analyze students' academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional needs to determine program appropriateness.
- Make recommendations regarding placement within ACES programs based on student needs and available supports.
- Communicate placement recommendations and required services to school districts, charter schools, families, and internal teams.
- Conduct student observations as needed to assess educational, behavioral, and functional performance.
- Prepare written and verbal reports summarizing observations, findings, and recommendations.
- Analyze behavioral and educational data to support placement decisions and monitor program effectiveness.
- Participate in intake meetings, admissions reviews, and student transition planning.
- Provide campus tours and program overviews for families, school districts, charter schools, and community partners.
Special Education Consultation and Compliance
- Serve as a subject matter expert regarding IDEA, Section 504, state special education regulations, and best practices for students with disabilities.
- Provide consultation to ACES leadership, district personnel, and educational teams regarding eligibility, evaluation practices, IEP development, behavioral supports, and educational programming.
- Support district partners in mentoring and developing new school psychologists and special education personnel.
- Review student records to ensure alignment between identified needs, services, supports, and proposed placements.
- Assist teams in understanding compliance requirements and implementation of special education programs.
District and Charter School Partnerships
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with placing school districts and charter schools.
- Serve as a primary point of contact regarding referrals, admissions, placement inquiries, and program consultation.
- Collaborate with district representatives to facilitate successful student transitions into and out of ACES programs.
- Participate in meetings with district teams, IEP teams, and other educational stakeholders regarding student programming and placement needs.
- Maintain ongoing communication with partner districts to strengthen relationships and support student success.
Consultation and Collaboration
- Consult with families regarding student needs, available services, and educational programming options.
- Collaborate with administrators, teachers, behavior specialists, and related service providers to support student success.
- Facilitate problem-solving discussions and collaborative planning for complex student cases.
- Participate in IEP, MET, manifestation determination, and other student support meetings as requested.
Professional Development and Training
- Remain current on federal and state special education laws, regulations, and emerging best practices.
- Provide professional development and technical assistance to staff, district personnel, and educational partners.
- Support organizational initiatives related to compliance, behavioral supports, and student services.
Outreach and Communication
- Develop and distribute regular communications, newsletters, and program updates to district and charter school partners.
- Highlight student achievements, program successes, and organizational initiatives.
- Represent ACES at professional meetings, conferences, recruitment events, and community functions.
- Promote positive relationships and effective communication among all stakeholders.
Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws.
- Complete required reports, records, and documentation in a timely manner.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or designee.
Required Qualifications
- Master's, Specialist (Ed.S.), or Doctoral degree in School Psychology from an accredited institution.
- Valid School Psychologist certification or licensure as required by the state.
- Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of successful experience as a School Psychologist.
- Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, state special education regulations, and special education compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated experience interpreting psychoeducational evaluations, eligibility determinations, IEPs, METs, REDs, and behavioral assessments.
- Strong consultation, presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with school districts, charter schools, families, and community agencies.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of special education eligibility categories, disability characteristics, and specialized programming.
- Ability to analyze complex educational, psychological, and behavioral data.
- Ability to facilitate collaborative meetings and consensus-building discussions.
- Ability to effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high levels of professionalism and responsiveness.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative leadership team.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel between ACES campuses and partner school districts.
- Ability to conduct campus visits, observations, meetings, and tours.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, and utilize standard office technology for extended periods.
Work Environment
This position operates in school, office, and community settings and requires frequent interaction with students, families, school personnel, district representatives, and community partners. The School Psychologist serves as a key member of the ACES leadership and student services team, advancing the organization's mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities for students with complex educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Professional development assistance
#IND1
Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.
Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!
