Contract Days:  196

Pay Grade:  Administrative Level 3

Primary Purpose:

Provide professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems under the supervision of university-based and field based supervisors. Assess the psychological and psycho/educational needs of students referred to special education services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree in psychology or education preferred

Completion of a graduate level, school psychology course curriculum as specified in credentialing requirements from the Texas State Board of Examiner's of Psychologists (TSBEP)

Enrollment in a university-based internship program

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 biopsychosocial development

Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Background in counseling and assessment

Major Responsibilities and Duties (all under supervision of a university-based and a field-based supervisor):

Assessment

1. Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to district, state and federal regulations.
2. Score and interpret test data according to best practices in the field of school psychology
3. Develop psychological evaluation reports, and provide or facilitate the completion of functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans.
4. Conduct or participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IBP) for students according to district procedures.
5. May serve as case manager and implement the special education assessment process for students on assigned campuses.

Consultation

1. Conduct group, individual and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
2. Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program.
3. Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
4. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances.
5. Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
6. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
7. Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.

Program Management

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
3. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
4. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
5. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of psychological services, assessment, placement and planning for special education services.
6. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
7. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
8. Attend scheduled LSSP district meetings.

Communication

1. Maintain and report Medicaid paperwork to appropriate person within required timelines (e.g., MACM, SHARS, and assessment logs).
2. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
3. Maintain documentation of students served and service provided.
4. Submit reports and communication information to Coordinator assigned to LSSPs as requested.
5. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Counseling:

1. Develop a program of counseling for each eligible student in accordance with his/her IEP goals and objectives.
2. Utilize research-based, effective counseling and therapy techniques that reflect current approaches and best practices in the field of school psychology.
3. Develop and maintain a schedule of counseling services in accordance with the ARD committee recommendations.
4. Maintain records of counseling contact via counseling notes and weekly logs.
5. Monitor students' progress in counseling via teacher observations/reports, parent conferences, and personal assessment of students' progress.
6. Monitor students' progress toward counseling IEP goals and objectives through written progress reports and attendance at ARD meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory duties

Equipment Used:

Computers (desktops/laptops), Xerox machines and other office equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Victoria Independent School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age for admission, treatment, or participation in its educational programs, services and activities, or employment.

El distrito escolar de Victoria no discrimina contra ninguna persona por motives de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad o edad de admisi6n, tratamiento, o la participaci6n en los programas educativos, servicios y actividades, o empleo.