Ex Ed Educational Diagnostician - 241 Days

Hamilton County Department of Education; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hamilton County Department of Education in Chattanooga, TN, is seeking qualified candidates for a special education assessment role. The position involves implementing the assessment process, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with state regulations very important for the educational needs of students with disabilities. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in education, a valid Tennessee teaching certificate, and a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience. A focus on special education is preferred, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact in the educational community.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a master’s degree in education required.
• Master’s degree in special education preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement the special education assessment process.
• Select and administer assessments for eligibility decisions.
• Conduct classroom observation and parent interviews.

Skills

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures

Education of special education students

Excellent organizational skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree in education

Valid Tennessee teaching certificate

Tools

EasyIEP

Job description

Overview

Job Description

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County.

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

Primary Purpose: Implement the special education assessment process. Assess the educational and programming needs of students referred for the initial consideration of special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to develop initial individualized plans of educational support for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Assessment

• Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process within state timelines.
• Collaborate with TEIS and work with PALS Team members to ensure timely Part C to Part B transitions.
• Select and administer formal and informal assessments to inform decisions related eligibility for special education services according to federal and TDOE rules / regulations.
• Collect and organize relevant assessment data from parents, teacher(s) / caregiver(s), service providers, support staff, and community resources.
• Conduct classroom observation and parent interviews.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor of Assessment and other members of the PALS Team to provide staff development training in assigned settings to assist teachers and community stakeholders in understanding early childhood referrals and appropriate pre-referral interventions.
• Consult with parents / guardians, receiving school staff, and community service providers regarding the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Other duties that are needed to ensure compliance with LEA initiatives, TDOE rules / regulations, and IDEA compliance and as assigned by the Supervisor of Assessment Services and / or Director of Exceptional Education.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Moderate lifting and carrying of assessment / technology materials. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• A minimum of a master’s degree in education
• Master’s degree in special education preferred. Endorsement codes may include: 105 Special Education; 460 SP Ed Modified K-12; 461 SP Ed Cmp K-12; and 459 Sp Ed Early Childhood PreK
• Valid Tennessee teaching certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students with a focus on early childhood, early childhood development, learning theories, early childhood educational standards, and IDEA / TDOE rules & regulations
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Conduct ongoing data collection on all IEP goals/objectives as indicated in the wording of each IEP goal, but at minimum 1 data point per goal per week. Place a copy of the data collection in the student’s special education file prior to each quarterly progress report. Use the collected data to complete Progress Monitoring Data Points in EasyIEP and to complete the quarterly progress reports that are sent home to parents/guardians.
• Case managers and service providers will use the EasyIEP Progress Monitoring Wizard to graph at least 3 data points per goal per each nine week grading period. (The only exceptions to using the EasyIEP Progress Monitoring Graphs are Speech Language Personnel, OTs, PTx, and Audiologists who use Stellar Docs for Progress Monitoring. It is understood that service personnel using Stellar Docs will also enter data on quarterly progress reports.)

Experience

A minimum of 3 years teaching experience (Special Education preferred)

Compensation

Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience.