Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
Gonzales ISD SPECIAL SERVICES - Gonzales, Texas
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Apr 06, 2025 12:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately
Position Type: Full-Time
Job Overview
Primary Purpose: Perform professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Assess the psychological and psycho‑educational needs of students referred to special education services, and if eligible, work collaboratively with instructional personnel to facilitate appropriate services and positively impact student outcome.
Qualifications
- Education/Certification: Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
- License: Valid Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- 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 psycho‑social development
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience: One year providing psychological services in an educational setting; three years preferred
Assessment
- Receive initial student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
- Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students to help determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
- Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans reflecting the review and interpretation of evaluation data and special education eligibility criteria.
- As needed, participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and develop of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
- When warranted, collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers, campus administration, support staff, parents, and other resource personnel.
- Serve on the assessment team for the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) and help facilitate Child Find, if needed.
Consultation
- Consult with parents to discuss pertinent background information, test results, and the impact on learning.
- Consult with parents, teachers and relevant staff concerning the education needs of students, including transitional planning, interpretation of assessment data, impact on learning, and implementation of behavior intervention plans in managing disruptive students.
- As needed, consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students.
- Serve on the special education site‑based management team.
- Provide staff development training in assigned schools to highlight key components of IDEA and enable school personnel to identify and work more effectively with students identified with emotional, social, and behavioral disabilities.
Program Management
- Paramount compliance to federal and state mandated timelines.
- Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on evidence‑based strategies and best practices.
- Implement and coordinate special education assessment, behavior, and counseling services at assigned campuses.
- Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
- Compile, maintain, and file all 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 rules and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
- Complete or supervise the completion of all documentation related to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee meetings, as needed.
- Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
- Participate in professional seminars, conferences and workshops to remain aware of current trends and issues related to the job assignment.
- Assist in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel, as requested.
Communication
- Maintain professionalism by effectively communicating with supervisors, colleagues, students, and parents.
- Monitor and update staff on current district effectiveness and compliance.
Student Counseling
- Conduct individual and/or group counseling for special education students with presenting needs and concerns as outlined in the EP.
- Use accepted counseling theories and techniques to assist in facilitating access to grade‑level curriculum.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- May provide clinical supervision to LSSP practicum students and interns on an as‑needed basis.
- May provide mentorship to new hires, as warranted.
Equipment Familiarity & Working Conditions
- Regular district travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
- Moderate lifting and carrying of assessment materials.
- Maintain emotional control under stress.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Experience working with eSPED, MS Office Suite, Google email/drive.
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required.
Contact Information
- Erin Labuhn, Executive Director, State and Federal Programs
- Special Services Office
- Phone: 830‑672‑9551
- Email: erin.labuhn@gonzalesisd.net