School Psychologist (LSSP)

Position Purpose

Performs professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Provides an array of psychological services to parents, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. Assesses the psychological and psycho-educational needs of students referred to special education services. May provide internship training and staff development as requested.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides direct services to students including intellectual, academic, emotional/behavioral evaluations, behavior management planning, and intervention services.
• Determines student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Develops psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
• Conducts or participates 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.
• Meets with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
• Conducts group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
• Consults 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.
• Consults with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
• Participates in campus multidisciplinary team to develop solutions for struggling students.
• Provides crisis intervention services to general education and special education students.
• Conducts suicide and violence risk assessments.
• Presents staff development training in assigned schools to enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
• Develops and coordinates a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
• Participates in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
• Doctoral Level: Assists the Director in coordinating departmental functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Masters/Specialist Level: Supervises LSSP trainees, masters/specialist interns, and practicum students; serves on internship committee.
• Doctoral Level: Supervises doctoral interns.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding education and students.
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management.
• Knowledge of psycho-social development.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, educational, and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Ability to train others and monitor their progress and comprehension.
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and District staff.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Ability to use software to access databases, email, create spreadsheets, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, reaching.
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students.
• Environment: Works in an office setting; exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Minimum Required Qualifications
Master’s/Specialist Level

• Education: Master’s degree from accredited college or university in School Psychology or a-related field.
• Certification/License: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), or has passed the NCSP exam and has initiated LSSP licensure procedures with TX State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (must obtain TSBEP approval to practice before position offered).
• Experience: 1 year in School Psychology; working with special populations preferred.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred in some settings.

Doctoral Level

• Education: Doctorate degree from accredited college or university in Psychology or a-related field.
• Certification/License: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), or has passed the NCSP exam and has initiated LSSP licensure procedures with TX State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (must obtain TSBEP approval to practice before position offered); Licensed in the state of Texas as a Psychologist preferred.
• Experience: 1 year in School Psychology; working with special populations preferred.
• Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred in some settings.

Some positions may be grant-funded and contingent on availability of funds.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.