Primary Purpose:
Implement the special education appraisal process. Assess the educational progress, learning styles, and program needs of
students referred to special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional
personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for the students with disabilities. Provide counseling as a related service
to special education students as specified by the Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Assist in coordinating and supervising the
district's special education program to ensure provision of needed services for special needs students.

Qualifications:

 

Education/Certification:

• Master's Degree from an approved institution
• Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, including evaluation of emotional functioning, education of students with
• disabilities, human development, and learning theories
• Knowledge/experience in counseling techniques/interventions
• Understanding of emotional and developmental disorders in childhood
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis
• Ability to interpret data from educational and psychological evaluations
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students, their parents, and school personnel
• Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Ability to supervise personnel

Experience:

• School experience as an LSSP
• Counseling experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
3. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teachers, principal, support staff, parents, and other resource personnel.
4. Conduct classroom observations and personal interviews.
5. Produce Full Individual Evaluation reports reflecting the review and interpretation of assessment data and special education eligibility status.
6. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of individual Education Plans (IEP) for students, according to district procedures.
7. Conduct psychological evaluations.
8. Conduct related service evaluations to identify needs for special education counseling as a related service.
9. Develop counseling goals and objectives as part of the IEP.
10. Evaluate goals and objectives each reporting period.

Counseling

1. Conduct counseling as a related service.
2. Counsel individual special education students with presenting needs and concerns as specified by IEP.
3. Counsel small groups of special education students with presenting needs and concerns as specified by IEP.
4. Use accepted theories and techniques appropriate for school counseling.

Consultation

1. Provide staff development training to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
2. Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
3. Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
4. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
5. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

Program Management

1. Assist in supervising special education progran1s and services to meet students' needs.
2. Assist in evaluating student progress on a systematic basis, and assist in using findings to make special education program more effective.
3. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
4. Assist in the management of the special education referral process, and make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
5. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
6. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required, according to mandated tin1elines.
7. Assist in preparation for ARDs, mediations, and due process hearings.
8. Supervise and monitor the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process throughout the district.
9. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
10. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
11. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Communication

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
2. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
3. Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students, and notify parents and students of available services.
4. Collaborate with personnel in residential treatment centers within district boundaries to ensure coordinated service delivery to students placed residentially.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Assist in the supervision and evaluation of the performance of district special education teachers, aides, and support staff, as well as teachers and aides in residential facilities located within the district.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.