Special Education - Diagnostician

ESC 14; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene ISD seeks a qualified Educational Diagnostician to implement the special education assessment process and determine eligibility for services in Abilene, Texas. The role collaborates with instructional staff to tailor appropriate programs for students with disabilities.

The candidate will collect data, conduct observations, and participate in ARD discussions to support accurate placement and IEP development, while providing staff training on assessment procedures and compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in educational assessment required.
• Valid Texas teaching certificate required.
• Valid Texas educational diagnostician certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process.
• Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine eligibility for SPED services under federal and TEA regulations.
• Collect and organize assessment data from various sources (cumulative folder, teachers, principals, parents, outside resources).
• Conduct classroom observations and personal interviews.
• Participate in ARD committee to interpret data and develop IEPs per district procedures.
• Provide staff development in schools to aid identification of students with disabilities.
• Assist teachers with IEP implementation and communicate with parents and staff.
• Develop and coordinate ongoing evaluation of the assessment program and update reports and records.

Skills

Diagnostic procedures

Education of SPED students

Human development

Learning theories

Organizational skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in educational assessment

Texas teaching certificate

Texas educational diagnostician certificate

Job description

Primary Purpose:

Implement the special education assessment 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:

Two years teaching experience

Responsibilities:

Assessment:

• Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• 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.

Wage/Hour Status:

Exempt

Pay Grade:

Administrative-Professional - 4

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.