School Psychologist/Educational Diagnostician (A4)

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education; DAYS/DATE(S): 202; Stipend $2000

Primary Purpose

The School Psychologist or Educational Diagnostician assists in multi-disciplinary teams during ARD meetings to make data-driven decisions to support students with IEPs. The School Psychologist or Educational Diagnostician provides appraisal services and often serves as a member on the Response to Intervention Team. The School Psychologist provides related service counseling and psychological services as determined by the ARD committee. The School Psychologist and Educational Diagnostician provide direct supervision to graduate students working on their certifications in School Psychology or Assessment. They also provide mentorship to assessment staff new to the department.

Qualifications

Education / Certification

• Valid licensure as a School Psychologist or
• Valid Texas Teacher Certificate and Valid Texas Educational Diagnostician certification.
• Valid driver’s license with driving record that meets District requirements.

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of local, state and federal special education policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement, intellectual, emotional and behavioral functioning for educational purposes.
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management intervention.
• Knowledge of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee process.
• Ability to organize and interpret data to make recommendations for support of students and classrooms.
• Ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners.
• Ability to create and analyze Standard-Based IEP goals and objectives.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Experience

• Two years teaching experience required for Educational Diagnosticians.
• One year experience providing psychological services in an educational setting for School Psychologists.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Assessment

• Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
• Appropriately select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education in accordance with federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
• Collect and organize relevant assessment data from students’ cumulative folder, classroom teachers, campus administrators, support staff, parents and outside resources.
• Conduct observations and personal interviews.
• Participate in ARDC meetings to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate recommendations, and development of the IEP for students according to district procedures.
• Collaborate with team members on selection of dates and participants for ARDC meetings.
• Complete all necessary ARD paperwork, evaluations, reports and documents within established timelines.
• Meet all department, district, state and federal timelines related to special education services.

Consultation

• Provide staff development training to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
• Assist and consult with classroom teachers with implementation of the IEP.
• Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical providers, community agencies or other identified agencies concerning intellectual, emotional and behavioral functioning of students, as appropriate.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary campus team meetings to recommend appropriate interventions and strategies for individual students served in general education.

Program/Instructional Management

• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• When requested, assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Compile, maintain and file all physical and digital reports, records and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law. State Board of Education rules and local school board policies in the area of assessment, placement and planning for special education services.
• Comply with licensure requirements through Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology (for LSSPs).
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Communication

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with colleagues, supervisors,parents and students.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and other information.
• Inform appropriate supervisor or the Director of Special Education of any concerns with special education programming.

Student Management

• Provide related services counseling and psychological services as determined by the ARD committee.
• Administer all assessments required for the Full and Individual Evaluation within state and federal timelines.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators and other relevant individuals to assist in effective programming to meet individual student needs.

Organizational Improvement

• Analyze critical needs in assigned areas and work collaboratively to implement and improve programs.
• Assist the Director of Special Education in identifying the professional development needs of the special education and general education staff regarding special education services.
• Keep abreast of new developments in the field by reading professional literature, attending seminars and relevant training opportunities.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May be required to supervise a practicum student or intern.
• Will collaborate with University supervisors and training program staff to support continued growth and development of students.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned
• Moderate lifting and carrying
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.
I have read and understand the responsibilities and duties required for this position as outlined above.

Employee Signature: Date
Supervisor Signature: Date