Job Description: Diagnostician

Primary Purpose

Implement the special education appraisal 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.

Qualifications

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

• Three years teaching experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Assessment

• Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal 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.

Consultation

• 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.

Program Management

• 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.

Communication

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional Growth and Other

• Model behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrators that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position

Supervisory Responsibilities

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical 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.

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing, pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior
• Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold and inclement weather), exposure to noise; occasional districtwide and statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities