School Psychologist - Tarrant County (26-27)

This posting is for a general applicant pool. While there may or may not be an immediate vacancy, we are accepting applications to proactively identify strong candidates for future opportunities.

Role Mission

The School Psychologist is a key member of the Special Programs team and partners with regional instructional leaders, campus leaders, and teachers to maximize student outcomes. As the School Psychologist, you will demonstrate knowledge and skill in assessment, determining Special Education eligibility, providing academic and behavioral interventions, following state and federal legal frameworks for Special Education, and ensuring compliance with all facets of Special Education. You will support a portfolio of 1-2 campuses, aiding students and parents through problem-solving interventions for students who may be struggling both academically and behaviorally. Additionally, you will provide students with direct behavioral supports and track student progress towards IEP goals. This role involves minor travel between campuses and reports directly to the regional Lead School Psychologist.

This is a full-time on-site position located in Tarrant County. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region or are willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Supports the special education teachers in developing appropriate IEP academic, behavioral, and social goals.
• Ensures IEP services are provided as indicated in the ARD.
• Meets 100% compliance in Annual ARDs and ensures all paperwork is submitted in a timely manner.
• Works in conjunction with Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and other related and Instructional Service Personnel (VI, AI, APE, PT) to ensure completion of all ARD paperwork in a timely manner.
• Follows correct procedures for maintaining records and services.
• Tracks all counseling services and completes counseling service notes per session.
• Is trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) and conducts crisis counseling when necessary.
• Guides the campus in interventions for students who are in emotional and behavioral crisis.
• Establishes and executes Critical Student Instruction groups with fidelity at campuses.
• Provides support to the 504 campus coordinator with 504 meeting requirements, 504 eligibility determination, Homebound services, and Manifestation Determination.
• Conducts dyslexia evaluations for 504 students.
• Guides campuses in tracking and documenting academic and behavioral interventions in TIER I, TIER II, and TIER III.
• Conducts multidisciplinary evaluations (Full and Individual Evaluations) for all Non-Speech only students referred for one or more eligibility categories (out of 11 eligibility categories).
• Ensures psychological evaluations for Autism and Emotional Disturbance are conducted in accordance with National Association of School Psychologists best practice recommendations.
• Adheres to the most up-to-date evaluation tools and standards as stipulated in the American Psychological Association Testing Standards.
• Conducts evaluations as needed for student College Board accommodations.
• Helps the campus conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
• Ensures campuses employ a problem-solving model for students in TIERS II and TIERS III.
• Guides the campus in how to track and document academic and behavioral interventions.
• Aids the campus in completing Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans in Response to Intervention.
• Provides guidance on academic and behavioral interventions in TIERS II and TIER III.
• Ensures students referred to Special Education have participated in TIER II and TIER III interventions for an appropriate amount of time prior to referral for Special Education evaluations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Texas license as a School Psychologist granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (School Psychologist interns accepted with proof of eligibility).

Skills

• Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functions for educational purposes, including cross-battery evaluation practices.
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions.
• Knowledge of psycho-social development.
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, deadlines, and priorities.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
• Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas.
• Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally).
• Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs.
• Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
• Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Parenting benefits.
• Flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time.
• Referral bonuses.
• Professional development.
• 403(b) plan.

IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Pay

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $74,700 and $87,100, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.