Job Title:              Diagnostician                                                      

Reports to:           Assistant Director Assessment & Related Services                             

Dept/Campus:     Special Services                                             

Pay Grade:           Professional - PG 5 

Wage Status:       Exempt

Days:                   202

Primary Purpose:

Implement the special education assessment process. Assess the educational, learning styles, and program needs of students referred to special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in educational assessment

Valid Texas teaching certificate

Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures , education of special education students, human  development, and learning theories. 
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

 Two years teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process.
• Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations. 
• Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
• Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.
• 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.
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
• Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
• Consult parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Work collaboratively with campus principals to supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of career and technology instructional staff, aides, and support staff.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruptions. Repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate.  The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail.  There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress.  The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.  Regularly perform multiple, highly complex, tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions and compliance with legal guideline. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances and integrating into different school environments. Occasionally work prolonged and irregular hours.