Diagnostician

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Provide for evaluation, identification, and placement of students with disabilities, resulting in the provision of services in compliance with the state and federal guidelines. To maintain all special education records and documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:

Master's Degree

Valid Texas certificate for educational diagnostician or LSSP

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to administer in-depth psycho-educational assessments

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human development, and learning theories

Ability to interpret data and solve problems of different complexities

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Work Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

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

Motion: Frequent walking, prolonged use of computer

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

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; requires district-wide travel, some statewide and out of state travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; ability to problem solve, interpret data and acquire and apply new skills and knowledge; ability to resolve conflicts; the ability to adapt and be flexible in multiple environments

Regular attendance is an essential function

Minimum Experience:

Three years of successful experience as a classroom teacher as evidenced by evaluations (special education preferred)

Teaching experience is not required for an LSSP

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Administer in-depth psycho-educational evaluations to students as appropriate.

• Maintain PEIMS database to reflect current ARD/504 meeting decisions.

• Maintain student eligibility folders according to district guidelines.

• Effectively coordinate special education/504 services for students based on ARD/504 committee decisions.

• Interpret assessment results in terms of eligibility guidelines and educational programming.

• Demonstrate ability to communicate assessment results at a level that facilitates understanding by parents and professionals.

• Make appropriate recommendations to the ARD/504 Committee based upon evaluation data.

• Provide leadership during the ARD/504 meeting process by assuming professional responsibility:

• Arriving at the meeting on time.

• Staying focused on the purpose of the meeting.

• Maintaining appropriate pace.

• Providing time for questions and assures that answers are provided.

• Maintaining a professional environment during the meeting.

• Observe time guidelines in the completion of testing, reports, and ARD/504 Committee meetings.

• Participate in staffing with campus staff, support staff and/or related services personnel.

• Demonstrate awareness of outside agency needs of students and initiate activities to meet those identified needs.

• Follow procedures to insure confidentiality of special education/504 records.

• Demonstrate ability to work with and communicate with building personnel for effective program implementation.

• Demonstrate ability to prioritize and/or organize assigned duties.

• Demonstrate appropriate verbal and written communication.

• Effectively communicate with students and parents.

• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with school personnel, principals/supervisors, parents and students.

• Handle stressful situations in an objective, controlled manner.

• Pursue professional growth through such activities as attending seminars, conferences, professional learning opportunities, and/or reading professional publications, etc.

• Use collaborative strategies in working with individuals with disabilities, parents/guardians, teachers, and other school and community personnel in various learning environments.

• Maintain regular, punctual attendance and a professional appearance.

• Abide by State and Federal laws, District policies, campus expectations and Texas Educator Code of Ethics.

• Perform such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities assigned by the Special Education Director.