26/27 Diagnostician

Job Title: Educational Diagnostician

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Executive Director of Special Services

Dept./School: Special Education

 

Primary Purpose:

Assess the educational, learning styles, and program needs of students referred to special education services. Determine and assist in determining eligibility under TEA guidelines for special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities. Coordinate and 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.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master's degree

TEA certification as an educational diagnostician

Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to administer and interpret intelligence and achievement assessment instruments
• Ability to prepare appropriate individual education plans (IEPs)
• Knowledge of local, state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to special education
• Knowledge of various special education eligibility conditions and the challenges to learning
• Knowledge of curriculum in grades PK through 12
• Strong computer skills
• Strong organization and communication (written and oral)
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents

Experience:

Three years in Special Education preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Support for Instructional and Planning Services

1. Provide consultative support to school staff through the MTSS process, offering suggestions for strategies and interventions that may be implemented in the general education classroom to meet the needs of struggling students.
2. Administer approved achievement and intelligence measures, using instruments and procedures approved by the district.
3. Complete oral language proficiency assessments for students as needed.
4. Prepare evaluation reports, utilizing the format approved by the district.
5. Prepare and participate in admission, review and dismissal (ARD) committee meetings to interpret appraisal results and in the development of the individual education plans (IEPs).
6. Consult with school staff about implementation of the IEPs, appropriate accommodations and modifications, and strategies for learning.
7. Manage caseload and assignments so as to meet compliance timelines for evaluations, ARD/IEP committee meetings, and services to students.
8. Assist in the creation, development, coordination and evaluation of special education instructional programs in the district.
9. Meet with parents to discuss pertinent background information and test results
10. Assist in the selection and implementation of special education instructional materials.
11. Plan, coordinate, and conduct district-wide and campus-wide events and activities related to special education.
12. Disseminate information regarding policies and procedures developed by the Department of Special Education Services.
13. Provide support to school personnel in order to ensure compliance with local, state and federal special education policies and procedures in assigned school and/or facilities.
14. Present staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identifying and understanding students with disabilities.

Role in Student Achievement

1. Work collaboratively with teachers and campus administrators in the creation of a supportive school environment that meets the academic and developmental needs of students.
2. Support the creation and implementation of special education services on school campuses, in support of academic and skill development in students with special needs.
3. Provide assistance to teachers and school administrators in the creation of a school climate that effectively manages student behavior in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.

Qualities of an Effective Educational Diagnostician

1. Use effective communication skills, written and oral, to present information accurately and clearly to student parents and staff.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents and community members.
3. Maintain familiarity with current trends in the areas of curriculum and special education.
4. Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for staff, including daily attendance, punctuality, and confidentiality.
5. Compile, maintain and file all reports, records and other required documents.
6. Attend and participate in Special Education Department meetings and serve on committees, as required.
7. Comply with the Texas Educators' Code of Ethics
8. Demonstrate the following core values: integrity, high expectations, commitment, respect, dedication to teamwork, and passion for a student-centered environment.
9. Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.

Supervisory Responsibilities

1. Provide coaching for Life Skills teachers for state testing and programming.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

Other Information: 

The District contributes $330 monthly toward the cost of the employee-only health insurance, which is $105 more than the state-required amount of $225/month. All employees in this position receive free treatment at any Next Level Urgent Care.

 

Position Type: Full-Time

Days: 197 days
Pay Grade: 103