2 - Diagnosticians

Job Title:

Diagnostician Wage/Hour Status:

Exempt Department:

Special Education Reports To:

Director for

Special Education Approved By:

Superintendent ____________________________________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY:

Implements the special education appraisal process. Assesses the educational, learning styles, and program needs of students referred for special education services. Provides diagnostic information and works cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:

Master's degree in educational assessment

EXPERIENCE

Three years of teaching experience

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Texas teaching certificate Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human development, and learning theories Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to travel to multiple work locations as assigned Skilled in dealing with handicapped students and their parents Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the school community Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 teacher(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 reports, records, and other documents required. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, 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. Other Maintain confidentiality. Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance. Participate in meetings and special events as assigned. Exercise professional judgment in absences; be punctual to work, meetings, and appointments. Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, board of trustees, staff, students, parents, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply mathematical skills such as concepts of basic math, algebra and geometry. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, especially when transferring students to and from wheelchairs or assisting with positioning students. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequent districtwide travel is required. The employee must maintain emotional control under stress.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in this environment is usually quiet. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside.