Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:The purpose of a job description is to outline the essential functions unique to a particular job within a specific department. Job descriptions are used to recruit, train, and evaluate employees.JOB TITLE: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPTSUMMARY:
The School Psychologist or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) will provide specialized expertise/consultation in both psychology and education. The training and skills will be used to team with other educators, parents, and other mental health professionals to ensure that children receiving special education services learn in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. Through the provision of consultations, assessments, team problem solving, and education, the LSSP will give specialized expertise to ensure identified students have the opportunity to be successful within the school setting.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.
• Provide healthy and effective alternatives to teachers, parents, and administrators regarding student problems in learning and behavior.
• Assist others in understanding child development and its effect on learning and behavior
• Professional input in the area of children’s emotional difficulties and their impact on child development and the educational process
• Promote awareness and willingness to identify, accommodate, and individualize educational services to assist all children with unique learning needs
• Use a wide variety of techniques to evaluate:
o Academic and Cognitive skill
o Learning aptitudes
o Personality and emotional development
o Social skills
o Learning environments and school climate
o Eligibility for special education
• Participate in the comprehensive assessment of students suspected of having autism or suspected of a developmental disorder
• Work face-to-face with children and families
• Help solve student conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment
• Provide psychological crisis counseling for children if eligible
• Provide information on social skills training, behavior management, MTSS, the referral process and other strategies used for Child Find or identifying students suspected of having a disability
• Aid schools when dealing with crisis situations, as needed
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in the identification and understanding of students with disabilities
• Provide parents and teachers with the skills to cope with disruptive behavior
• Keep abreast of new research and information on testing instruments concerning reliability, validity, interpretations, and new instruments
• Keep abreast of continual changes and the most current legal interpretations of state and federal guidelines, Commissioner’s Rules, and Cityscape operating guidelines
• Collaborate with teachers regarding students’ progress on IEP goals and objectives
• Communicate effectively with administrators, colleagues, students, and parents
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program, materials, and equipment, and make recommendations to the Director of Special Education based on findings
• Attend and participate in campus and district-level in-service meetings upon request
• Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills related to job responsibilities
• Compile reports as requested by Cityscape administration, including, but not limited to; SHARS, caseload, pending evaluations and extended school year recommendations
• Turn in all folders and submit reports on time and in compliance with district, state and federal regulations
• Act in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude towards the public and colleagues
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; adhere to the chain of command
• Maintain a professional appearance as appropriate for job responsibilities
• Observe professional and ethical standards, in accordance with TEA and the National Association of School Psychologists
• Perform other duties as assigned.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• As specified by the administrationQUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disab