Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Yellowstone Schools

Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology 
• Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in school psychology granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologist 
• Prior LSSP Experience in the title 1 setting (preferred)

 

Organizational Overview

Founded in 2001 and rooted in the Christian faith, Yellowstone Schools collectively educates 600 children in Pre-K through 10th grade and will grow a grade each year to serve 12th grade by 2026. Yellowstone partners with students and families—regardless of financial means—to provide a life-changing education, develop a strong moral foundation, and prepare scholars for life beyond high school. The K-12 campus is located in the Third Ward, one of Houston's oldest historically Black neighborhoods.

Most students served live in communities without access to strong educational opportunities. With classes ranging in size from 16 to 22, our students experience a rich academic and co-curricular model while receiving bus transportation, two meals a day, and access to a comprehensive student support program.

Yellowstone Schools consists of a cooperative of two school systems: a lower school (a private Christian school serving PreK-5th grade) and an upper school (a tuition-free, public charter school growing to serve 6th-12th grade). The lower school and upper school are distinct legal and financial entities with separate governing boards. The name Yellowstone Schools reflects each school system’s shared mission, vision, values, culture, and leadership. Each school complies with all applicable federal and state laws.

 

Position Overview

The LSSP at Yellowstone Schools performs professional psychological work in assessment, behavior management, and counseling for students with emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. The LSSP assesses the psychological and psychoeducational needs of students referred to special education services. 

 

Essential Qualities

• 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 
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Skilled in serving students with disabilities and their caregivers
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the school community 
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form

 

Essential Duties

Assessment 

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students and to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations
• Score and interpret test data 
• Develop psychological evaluation reports, functional behavior assessments, and behavior intervention 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 

Consultation 

• Conduct group, individual, and family counseling sessions and facilitative therapy for students with diagnosed problems 
• Serve as consultant on mental health topics for instructors in the school health program
• Consult with school staff regarding implementation of behavior intervention plans and in managing behaviorally disruptive students 
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with emotional, social, and behavioral disturbances 
• Meet with parents 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 
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of students as needed 

Program Management 

• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents 
• May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee 
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological 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 psychological 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 

Communication 

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors 
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, parents, supervisors and administrators 

Other 

• Maintain confidentiality 
• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance 
• Participate in meetings and special events as assigned 
• Exercise professional judgment in absences; be punctual to work, meetings, and
• appointments
• Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor

Working Schedule

• On campus each school day (Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:00pm) 
• Available to work some evenings, holidays, and weekends as necessary
• Ability to travel for home visits, tours, and field trips as necessary

 

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry items up to 15 pounds, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials and meet candidates.
 

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Yellowstone Schools offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical (including HSA), dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, $50K employer-paid life insurance, supplemental life ( short-term disability insurance, cancer, hospital, accident), EAP, wellness day off and generous paid time off program, and 10-weeks paid parental leave.

 

Yellowstone does not refuse to hire, terminate, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin.