School Psychology-Intern (26-27 SY)- Special Education

Wage/hour status: Exempt. Funding source: Local. Reports to: Director of Special Education. Pay grade: 2. Duty days: 187.

About the role

Assist schools in developing appropriate educational programs for students by conducting full individual evaluations, providing direct counseling and social skills instruction, consultative psychological services, and participating in ARD meetings for students while under the supervision of a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. This is a one-school-year assignment for completion of LSSP Internship requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of Master’s-level coursework in a School Psychology program from an accredited university.
• Enrollment in an approved university training program, with established readiness for the University’s designated internship experience course leading to Licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists as an LSSP.

Skills

• Knowledge of procedures for assessing academic, intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning for educational purposes.
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions.
• Knowledge of psychosocial development.
• Strong consultation and conflict-resolution skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate computer/peripherals using a variety of basic applications.
• Ability to effectively use district programs with reasonable assistance.
• Practicum experience in public schools.

Responsibilities

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and determine student eligibility for special education services as part of a multi-disciplinary team according to federal and state regulations.
• Complete functional behavior assessments and develop behavior management plans.
• Score and interpret test data; generate psychological evaluation reports.
• Participate 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.
• Consult with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed.
• Plan and provide counseling, psychological services, and/or social skills instruction.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures; make recommendations for changes based on findings.
• Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, and test inventories.
• 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.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, other school personnel, students, and parents.
• Take initiative and participate in professional development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Use assessment data to develop a professional development plan to improve professional skills and knowledge.
• Act in a professional, ethical manner as outlined in the Standards of Conduct for the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Standards of Conduct for the Teaching Profession.
• Communicate and convey information clearly regarding the district’s programs.
• Act as an effective liaison among staff, parents, and the community.
• Involve parents and the community in district and special education program improvement efforts as appropriate.

Working Conditions

• Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress.
• Must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication.
• Must interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making.
• Frequent in-district travel.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.
• Contribute to accident and injury prevention by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing safety-training principles, wearing required personal protective equipment, and reporting injuries and incidents immediately.