Lead Licensed Specialist In School Psychology (25-26)

KIPP Texas Public Schools is a network of 59 public charter, open-enrollment, pre-k-12 schools educating nearly 34,000 students across Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, 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. KIPP Texas is a team and family with an unwavering commitment to creating classrooms, offices, and communities rooted in belongingness, academic success and joy.

KIPP Texas is part of the national KIPP network of 255 college-preparatory public charter schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, KIPP students complete four-year college at a rate of 36 percent, comparable to the national average for all students.

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: 

1.  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

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is based on years of experience, degree of education, and level of expertise.

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,  fertility, and disability plans starting as low as $25/month.

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.