School Psychology Intern - UTRGV Grant-Funded (26-27)

IDEA Public Schools•Weslaco, TX

37d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Psychologist Intern under the UTRGV MHS-DGP grant is a key member of the Special Programs team and partners with regional instructional leaders, campus leaders, and teachers to maximize student outcomes with a key focus on Mental Health Interventions for general education students and students in Special Education. As the School Psychologist Intern under the UTRGV MHS-DGP grant agreement with IDEA Public Schools, you will be responsible for demonstrating knowledge and skill in assessment, determining Special Education eligibility, providing academic, behavioral, and mental health interventions with a high focus on RTI/MTSS following state and federal legal frameworks. You will help a portfolio of 1-2 campuses, supporting students and parents through problem solving interventions with students who may be struggling academically, behaviorally, and those experiencing Mental Health needs. In addition, you will provide general education and special education students with direct counseling and track student progress towards goals defined in intervention and special education plans. This is a grant funded position and funding may be extended. A grant-funded position has no guarantee of ongoing and indefinite employment. All duties and responsibilities tied to this position are allowable and allocable to the grant. This position is for the UTRGV MHS-DGP grant program only. Applicants outside of this grant should apply via the School Psychologist Intern General Pools found on our career page. The School Psychologist Intern reports directly to the regional Lead School Psychologist and works under the supervision of a designated School Psychologist mentor to complete all requirements for School Psychologist certification. This is a full-time onsite position located in the Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate. This role involves some minor travel between campuses.

Requirements

Knowledge of procedures for assessing achievement and intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functions for education purposes, including cross-battery evaluation practices
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
Ability to manage multiple requests, deadlines, and priorities
Enrollment in a UTRGV internship program for Licensed Specialist in School Psychology with a letter from the university stating they have been approved for internship and will be under the MHS-DGP grant
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold

Responsibilities

Demonstrate proficiencies and knowledge acquired during formal training in the School Psychology Program at the UTRGV based on the NASP 2020 Standards for Graduate Preparation of School Psychologists, including: o Data-Based Decision-Making o Consultation and Collaboration o Academic Interventions and Supports o Mental and Behavioral Health Services o School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning o Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools o Family, School and Community Collaboration o Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations o Research and Evidence-Based Practice o Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice
Focus the majority of their internship experiences in providing mental health services to include the NASP Domains above. This can be done with all students, including general and special education. Their time should NOT be spent primarily in assessment or special education processes.
Demonstrate competence in the practice of professional school psychology by: o Passing the National School Psychology Praxis Exam administered by the Educational Testing Service, which also serves as the Program’s Comprehensive Examination o Completing all contractual agreements with the internship site and completing all School Psychology Program requirements o Applying for and receiving institutional certification from the University as having graduated with a Master of Arts in School Psychology o Applying to the BHEC/TSBEP for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) including passing the required Jurisprudence Examination o Applying to the National School Psychology Certification Board and receiving Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) status, if so desired
Comply with all the expectations under the UTRGV MHS-DGP grant data collection and reporting.