Job Title:        Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)         

 

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional

 

Reports to:         Director of Special Programs                                             

 

Date Revised:    April- 2025

 

Dept./School:    Special Programs

 

 

Position Open Until Filled


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.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP) or Trainee Status Letter issued by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists**

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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

Effective organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to effectively provide and document services in compliance with IEPs

Ability to instruct students and manage student behavior

Ability to effectively facilitate collaboration among school staff

 

Experience:

One year of experience providing psychological services in an educational setting

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Assessment

  1. Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students.
  2. Interpret standardized assessment data and determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
  3. Develop thorough and accurate psychological evaluation reports, functional behavior assessments, and behavior intervention
  4. Conduct and/or participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process to assist with appropriate placement.
  5. Develop and assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
  6. Serve as a case manager and implement the special education assessment process for specifically determined students.

Consultation

  1. Meet with parents to discuss pertinent information and assessment Conduct group and individual counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems.
  2. Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students, interpretation of assessment data, and implementation of behavior intervention plans including collaboration through modeling, monitoring, and coaching.
  3. Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students in order to develop appropriate school services.
  4. Refer students to other district services and collaboratively provide information about and/or access to school, home, and community resources as appropriate.
  5. Provide timely and effective staff training to enable school personnel to identify and effectively work with students with emotional, social, and behavioral disorders.
  6. Use research-based theories and effective techniques of development in the guidance and counseling of individual students and small groups of students. Provide preventive, remedial, and crisis counseling as needed.

Program Management

  1. Develop and contribute to the continuous improvement of psychological services and assessment procedures and make recommendations based on findings.
  2. Participate in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
  3. Collaborate with district assessment staff in order to effectively complete assessments, schedule and attend ARD meetings, and meet timelines associated with each.
  4. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, including case records, test results, statistical data, documentation of services provided, and test inventories.
  5. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education, and local school board. Comply with all district procedures, campus routines, and regulations.
  6. May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.***

Other

  1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

 

Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (16 pounds or more),  transferring and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling student behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure; maintain flexibility and professionalism in response to multiple demands and stressful situations; may work prolonged or irregular hours

NOTES:

*The correct title for the person holding the Licensed Specialist in School Psychology is Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or LSSP. Only individuals who meet the requirements of Title 22 Texas Administrative Code §465.6 may refer to themselves as School Psychologists (i.e., hold a doctorate in the area of specialization).

 

**An individual who has completed an internship, applied for a license, and been approved by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) will be issued a Trainee Status Letter and will maintain this status for a maximum of one calendar year until he or she passes the Jurisprudence Exam. A trainee must be under the supervision of an LSSP until licensure is confirmed by TSBEP in writing.

 

*** An LSSP must have a minimum of three years of experience providing psychological services in the public school to supervise an intern or trainee.