JOB TITLE: Educational Diagnostician

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education

PAY GRADE: AP 103
DEPT/SCHOOL: Special Education

LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT: 207 days
FUND: 437

DATE REVISED: 11/2015

 

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 or licensure by Texas State Board of
Examiners of Psychologists
Valid Texas teaching certificate or Valid Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP)
Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate or valid LSSP licensure
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human
development, and learning theories
Knowledge of local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and guidelines for special
education
Knowledge of computer data management systems/programs and word processing
programs
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

 

Experience:
Three years of teaching experience or two years experience as LSSP / Associate School
Psychologist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Assessment
1. Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for
special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
3. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder,
classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
4. Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.
5. 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.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION MERCEDES ISD

6. Ensure that assessment reports meet compliance standards, including timeline
requirements.

Consultation
7. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in
identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
8. Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.
9. Consult parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of
assessment data.
10. Consult parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their
work with students.

Program Management
11. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and
parents.
12. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.
13. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make
changes based on findings.
14. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
15. 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.
16. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.
17. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job
assignment.

Communication
18. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
19.Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
Other
20.Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
21.Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work
locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer
students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical
disabilities.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION MERCEDES ISD

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.