IDEA Public Schools Careers

School Psychologist 

Special Programs 

Role Mission: 

The School Psychologist is a key member of the Special Programs team and partners with regional instructional leaders, campus leaders, and teachers to maximize student outcomes. As the School Psychologist, you will be responsible for demonstrating knowledge and skill in assessment, determining Special Education eligibility, providing academic and behavioral interventions, following state and federal legal frameworks for Special Education, and ensuring compliance with all facets of Special Education. You will help a portfolio of 1-2 campuses, supporting students and parents through problem solving interventions with students who may be struggling both academically and behaviorally. In addition, you will provide students with direct behavioral supports and track student progress towards IEP goals. 

The School Psychologist reports directly to the regional Lead School Psychologist and works in close partnership with campus leaders at the assigned campuses. This role involves some minor travel between campuses. 

Location: 

This is a full-time on-site position located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities 

Essential Duties:  

• Supports the special education teachers in developing appropriate IEP academic, behavioral, and social goals.
• Ensure IEP services are being provided as indicated in the ARD.
• Meet 100% compliance in Annual ARDs and ensure all paperwork is submitted in a timely manner.
• Works in conjunction with Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and other related and Instructional Service Personnel (VI, AI, APE, PT) to ensure completion of all ARD paperwork in a timely manner.
• Follows correct procedures for maintaining records and services.
• Ensure all counseling services are tracked
• Complete counseling service notes per session
• Be trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI)
• Conduct crisis counseling when necessary
• Guide the campus in interventions for students who are in emotional and behavioral crisis
• Critical Student Instruction groups are established and instruction is executed with fidelity at campuses
• Provide support to 504 campus coordinator with 504 meeting requirements, 504 eligibility determination, Homebound services, and Manifestation Determination.
• Conduct dyslexia evaluations for 504 students.
• Guide campuses in tracking and documenting academic and behavioral interventions in TIER I, TIER II, and TIER III.
• Conducts multidisciplinary evaluations Full and Individual Evaluations for all Non-Speech only students who are referred for 1 or more eligibility categories (out of 11 eligibility categories).
• Ensures psychological evaluations for Autism and Emotional Disturbance are conducted in accordance with National Association of School Psychologists best practice recommendations.
• Adhere to most up to date evaluation tools and standards as stipulated in the American Psychological Association Testing Standards
• Conducts evaluations as needed for student College Board accommodations
• Helps the campus conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
• Ensure that campuses are employing a problem solving model for students in TIERS II and TIERS III
• Guides the campus in how to track and document academic and behavioral interventions
• Aids the campus in completing Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans in Response to Intervention
• Provides guidance on academic and behavioral interventions in TIERS II and TIER III
• When necessary ensures that students referred to Special Education have participated in TIER II and TIER III interventions for an appropriate amount of time prior to referral for Special Education evaluations.

What You Bring – Competencies 

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functions for education purposes, including cross-battery evaluation practices
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Knowledge of psycho-social development
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple requests, deadlines, and priorities

Required experience: 

• Master’s degree in psychology from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas license as a School Psychologist granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
• School Psychologist interns accepted with proof of eligibility

Physical Requirements:  

•        Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area. 
•        Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas 
•        Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees. 
•        Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move ___ pounds (regularly/occasionally) 
•        Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs. 
•        Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency. 
•        Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold 

What We Offer: 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $70,000-$82,000 commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/. 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. 

Application process:  

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Learn more about IDEA  

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values