ROLE & PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the School Psychologist, also known as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), is to support students' ability to learn and apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, in order to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. The School Psychologist partners with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to facilitate safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. The School Psychologist provides evaluations to determine the presence or absence of autism or an emotional disability. School Psychologists are also able to provide counseling as a related service, conduct counseling assessments, complete Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA), and develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION
- Licensed Specialist in School Psychology by the Texas State board of Examiners of Psychologists, required.
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist, preferred.
- Minimum of three years counseling experience, preferred.
- Public school experience in conducting evaluations of ED and Autism preferred
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS
- Knowledge of Federal and State Special Education guidelines
- Expertise in conducting psychological evaluations of children and adolescents in autism and an emotional disability
- Ability to work cooperatively with school staff, parents, and other professionals
- Ability to communicate effectively with parents
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
I. INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT
- Facilitate student engagement in the learning environment
- Conduct psychological evaluations for FIE
- Provide strategies and interventions to teachers/staff for student success
- Support teachers/staff with social-emotional student progress
- Collect and interpret student and classroom data
- Provide consultation to administrators, teachers, parents, and support personnel regarding the psychological needs of students as they relate to the education setting and process
- Provide Psychological Services as required by the IEP
II. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL CLIMATE
- Support social-emotional learning in the school environment
- Support school-wide positive behavioral supports
- Assist campus crisis teams and counselors when appropriate in providing crisis prevention and intervention services
- Consult with administrators, teachers, and other staff concerning procedures that are consistent with federal, state, and local guidelines pertaining to Special Education
III. SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT
- Generate and interpret useful student and school data, as appropriate
- Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels
- Provide consultation to administrators, teachers, parents, and support personnel regarding the psychological needs of students as they relate to the education setting and process
- Individually administer a complete battery of tests including intellectual, academic achievement, adaptive behavior, vocational interest, vocational skills, and developmental skills
- Develop a written report of psychological assessment to present to the ARD committee
- Develop report/recommendations based on the results of the screening/evaluations
- Participate in staff development.
- Attend and participate in department meetings.
IV. SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS
- Conference with parents regarding their child's special education testing results as needed
- Develop and present recommendations to support the student and family
- Help families understand their child's learning and mental health needs
- Assist in navigating special education processes
- Provide information on community resources and connect families with community service providers when necessary
- Enhance staff understanding and responsiveness to diverse cultures and backgrounds
V. ADMINISTRATION & FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- Utilize scheduling and time management techniques in order to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.
VI. STUDENT MANAGEMENT
- SHARS / MAC / RMTS: Participate in the district's Medicaid initiatives. Arlington ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) and MAC programs, which allow the district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services provided. The ARD/IEP committee determines SHARS services.
- SHARS Providers: train, provide, and document billable SHARS/direct medical services provided to students with SHARS services ordered in their IEP.
- RMTS: If selected, participate in Random Moment in Time Study (RMTS).
- MAC: directly support the provision of services covered under the Texas Medicaid State Plan; provide or supervise direct medical services as stated in the IEP.
VII. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
- Keep abreast of the continual changes and the most current legal interpretations of Federal and State guidelines
- Provide professional learning in areas of expertise/ special interest for interns, practicum students and colleagues
- Maintain continuing education licensing and certification as required by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Stay abreast of current research in the field of education.
- Attend scheduled staff and in-service meetings
- Attend required conferences and training.
VIII. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervise school psychologist interns, practicum students and trainees as assigned
IX. OTHER DUTIES
- Any other responsibilities as designated by the Licensed Supervisor, Program Coordinator, and/or Director of Special Education.
X. WORKING CONDITIONS
MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
- Posture: Moderate standing; occasional kneeling, squatting, bending, and stooping
- Motion: Moderate walking
- Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
- Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise
- Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress, with frequent interruptions.
