Job Title: Licensed Psychologist - Special Education Counselor Exemption Status/Test: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Special Services Date Revised: 11/09/2023
Dept./Location: Special Services
Perform professional counseling assessments for students receiving special education services. Provide individual and group counseling to identified special education students. Provide care for mental health crisis to identified students receiving special education services and provide consultation to faculty and staff.
Education/Certification:
Master's degree in counseling, psychology, or related behavioral sciences field from an accredited college or university
Valid Texas license as Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Psychologist (LP)
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of procedures for assessing counseling needs of students receiving special education services.
Strong clinical skills for serving students receiving special education services including crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, assessment and evaluation, and referrals
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of student information
Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies related to special education
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, and staff
Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and staff
Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets and databases and do word processing
Experience:
Two years special education counseling experience preferred
- Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the emotional functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education counseling services according to federal and state regulations.
- Score and interpret assessment data.
- Develop evaluation reports and counseling plans.
- Conduct or participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.
- Meet with parent to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
- Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
- Manage assigned counseling caseload and conduct group, individual, and family counselling sessions and facilitative therapy for student with diagnosed problems.
- Consult with behavior specialists and campus staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students.
- Provide professional consultation, seminars, and workshops to faculty, staff, and administrators related to student mental health concerns.
- Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning emotional functioning of students as needed.
- Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
- Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of counseling services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
- Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized 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 rule, and local board policy in the areas of counseling services, assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
- Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
- Adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards for school counselors including current professional standards of competence and practice.
- Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures.
None
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals and other instructional equipment
Posture: Frequent prolonged sitting
Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; frequent driving
Lifting: Occasional light lifting (less than 15 pounds)
Environment: Occasional local travel
Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; frequent prolonged and irregular hours