KIPP Public Schools→
School Psychologist at KIPP Public Schools in Houston, TX
Job Description
About KIPP Texas Public Schools
KIPP Texas Public Schools is a network of 54 public charter, open-enrollment, pre-k-12 schools educating nearly 32,000 students across Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Together with families and communities, our mission is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose - college, career, and beyond - so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more fair world.
Founded in Houston in 1994 and operating as KIPP Texas since 2018, we are looking to hire a diverse team of dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals with an unyielding belief that every child will succeed. Join a Team and Family with an unwavering commitment to creating classrooms, offices, and communities rooted in belongingness, academic success and joy. If you are passionate about joining a mission and values-driven community who wants every child to want to run to school, the KIPP Texas Team and Family is for you!
KIPP Public Schools is a national network of public charter schools that prepares students with the skills and confidence to create the future they want for themselves, their communities, and us all. We are a network of 278 schools with nearly 16,500 educators and 190,000 students and alumni.
Job Description:DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
KIPP Texas Public Schools (KTX) Student Support Services (S3) is a multi-disciplinary network of special educators, counselors, social workers, dyslexia specialists, 504 representatives, and clinic coordinators. Our team exists to prevent, respond to, and minimize the barriers to learning that our students experience.
ROLE SUMMARY:
KTX is seeking a highly motivated full-time Licensed Specialist In School Psychology (LSSP) to provide diagnostic information on student learning and to work cooperatively with instructional faculty and parents in providing an appropriate educational program for students with disabilities throughout KTX.
This position furthers the mission of KIPP Texas as it helps ensure that all students have the tools and the supportive environment they need to learn.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1. Assessment, Data-Based Decision Making & Accountability
- Utilize knowledge of data-based decision making and accountability, diversity in development and learning, as well as research and program evaluation to assist staff with effective decision-making regarding KIPPster needs.
Utilize appropriate assessment and data collection methods.
Apply evaluation data and findings to intervention, instruction, programming, and services through written reports, intervention plans, and meetings/conferences with parents and/or school staff.
Contribute to school-wide assessment and data-based practices for academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral domains.
Serve as a member of school-level teams (e.g., All Children Will Learn Committee, Response to Intervention team, actively participating in ARDs, etc.).
Assist with the development and/or delivery of staff professional development to support district-wide assessment practices.
Contribute to progress monitoring and data-based decisions regarding intervention practices for academic, social-emotional, and behavioral domains.
Conduct special education evaluations (both formal and informal) to inform eligibility, service, and programming decisions.
Complete evaluations in a timely manner.
2. Referral Review & Case Management
Review and Manage Referrals: Oversee and process initial special education referrals, ensuring all documentation and data are complete and aligned with state and federal regulations.
Manage REED Caseloads: Monitor and oversee Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED) processes to ensure compliance with required timelines, quality of review, and alignment with best practices.
Case Management When Using Contractors: Serve as the case manager for evaluations conducted by contracted assessment staff. This includes coordinating logistics, ensuring adherence to district policies and timelines, reviewing completed reports for accuracy and thoroughness, and maintaining clear communication between contractors, campus staff, and families.
3. Consultation & Collaboration
Utilize knowledge of school-wide practices to promote learning as well as consultation and collaboration to assist staff in creating and maintaining effective learning environments.
Engage in consultation and collaboration with school staff, parents, families, community agencies, and providers.
4. Core Professionalism
Exhibit minimum competencies expected in any employment situation (attendance, punctuality, respect, policies & procedures).
Adhere to ethical standards, grow professionally, and participate as an active stakeholder across school environments.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS:
Interventions & Instructional Support to Develop Academic, Social, and Life Skills – utilize knowledge of intervention and instructional support, mental health, prevention, and response to assist with the development and delivery of services to KIPPsters to improve learning and outcomes
Contribute to intervention practices for academic, social-emotional, and behavioral domains
Contribute to crisis response and intervention practices.
2. Leadership – develop and sustain professional involvement and leadership to ensure the continued learning and effective school psychological services to schools, families, and students
Seek professional growth and learning opportunities to advance own knowledge and skill.
Seek opportunities to provide professional learning sessions for colleagues and school staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in psychology from accredited college or university
At least 1 year of experience as an LSSP or school psychologist
Required Licensure/Certification/Specialized Training
Valid Texas license as a licensed specialist in school psychology granted by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bilingualism (English-Spanish)
A minimum of 2 years of successful teaching experience and employment experience
Additional skills:
Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of KTX
Knowledge of federal and state Special Education law
Knowledge of best practices for Special Education
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Independent, self-starter with a strong focus on student development
Dependable, organized, efficient, and creative
Experience collaborating with team members and providing constructive and instructive feedback
Excellent interpersonal skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
Ability to work both on broad-based strategy and everyday details
Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making
Proven written and verbal communication skills; Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of special needs students and their parents
Strong organizational and planning skills
Possession of a passionate and loving attitude toward all children
- Responsiveness; Follow-up and follow-through with students, families, and faculty members is essential
Additional Requirements:
Reliable transportation is needed for travel between campuses
Additional Information:
Compensation and Benefits
As a full-time KIPP Texas employee you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Texas’ benefit plans. KIPP Texas offers a robust variety of benefits choices with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, life insurance, and disability plans.
KIPP provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.