Assistant Director of Evaluation and Assessment/School Psychologist - Texas, United States - Austin Achieve Public Schools

Description

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school district preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at the nation's top colleges and universities. Our educators are passionate advocates for our scholars and their families, committed to closing the opportunity gap for underserved communities. At Austin Achieve, you are joining a network of individuals committed to excellence. We have ambitious plans to scale our system to serve the children in our communities better and are looking for educators who are ready to drive transformative change.

The Assistant Director of Evaluation and Assessment will, under the supervision of the Senior Director of Special Services, direct the operations and services of the Evaluation and Assessment team for the Special Education Department and perform professional psychological work for scholars with emotional, learning, and behavioral disabilities. The Assistant Director of Evaluation and Assessment will also play a role in assessing the psychological and psycho-educational needs of scholars referred to special education services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Facilitate the timely referral and evaluation of scholars, enrolled in the district, for eligibility related to special education services.
• 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.
• Coordinate the district's Child Find process and state compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Work cooperatively with campus and district administrators and other school personnel to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive range of interventions and supports for scholars at risk for academic, social-emotional, or mental and behavioral health concerns, including multi-tiered systems of supports in regular education settings.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of psychological services and assessment procedures and make changes based on findings.
• Assist in the development of a model for providing counseling as a related service for eligible scholars.
• Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Build a common vision and coordinate high-quality professional development for the continuous growth of individual psychological service providers.
• Assist in interviewing, recommending, and providing supervision for psychological and evaluation/assessment services staff as well as contracted service providers.
• Assist in the development and oversight of evaluation/assessment services budget.
• 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 all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Special Services.

Assessment

• Select and administer assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred scholars and to determine scholar eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Score and interpret test data.
• Develop psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with appropriate placement and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for scholars according to district procedures.

Consultation

• Provide consultation for individual scholars and families as pertaining to special education eligibility.
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel with identification and understanding of scholars with academic, emotional, social, and behavioral disorders.
• Provide training for assessment staff in all areas of evaluating scholars, writing reports, MDR's and BIP's and other areas as needed.
• 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 scholars.
• Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results.
• Consult with teachers and relevant staff concerning the educational needs of scholars and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of scholars as needed.

Communication

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with faculty and fellow staff members.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with scholars and parents.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, scholars, and parents.
• Provide timely follow up and feedback related to evaluation and assessment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise other School Psychologists.
• Supervise Educational Diagnosticians.
• May provide clinical supervision to intern or trainee.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree (or higher) in School Psychology or related area.
• Valid Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (required) and a Valid Texas license as a Licensed Psychologist (preferred) granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
• At least two years experience in school psychology in a school setting required.
• Previous success working with second language learners and scholars from diverse backgrounds.
• Bilingual fluency is highly preferred.
• Supervisor experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep-seated belief in the mission and vision of Austin Achieve.
• Be willing to do "whatever it takes" to ensure all scholars reach their full potential.
• Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• 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.
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and scholars.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve as a professional through feedback, coaching, and professional development.

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, covering most of the employee premium for the base medical plan and subsidizing costs for a spouse/domestic partner and children. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parental leave, subsidized childcare, paid time off, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.