Job Description

Title:   EDUCATIONAL DIAGNOSTICIAN

Position Type: Exempt

Primary Function:

The educational diagnostician is responsible for conducting and interpreting educational assessments and evaluations for special education eligibility determination and program planning. They provide an array of educational services to students including achievement testing and educational consultation in accordance with best practices and the policies and regulations of the school division.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Valid Virginia Department of Education license with an endorsement in special education or school psychology
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in assessment administration and evaluation for special education purposes
• Master’s degree in special education or related field preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of all disability categories as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education processes/procedures and applicable regulations, including in-depth knowledge of referral, evaluation, and eligibility under IDEA
• Demonstrated ability to administer and interpret various formal and informal assessments
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to include technical report writing
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including adherence to required timelines
• Demonstrated ability in individual and group decision making, problem analysis, and conflict resolution
• Ability to collaborate and work with diverse groups of students, families, teachers, administrators, and other colleagues
• Knowledge of the Response to Intervention (RtI) and MTSS frameworks
• Proficiency in the use of existing technology and ability to learn and utilize new technology
• Knowledge of and adherence to the highest standards of professional and ethical practices
• Possesses sufficient strength, agility, dexterity and mobility to carry out all performance responsibilities
• Ability to travel to more than one work location in the course of the day

Performance Responsibilities:

• Administers and interprets standardized, norm-referenced, and other types of educational assessments to evaluate the academic functioning and educational needs of students
• Conducts student educational file reviews and ensures an understanding of student evaluation history, current evaluative data, and present levels of student performance and needs
• Consults and collaborates with teachers, school administrators, instructional staff, and families regarding student educational achievement
• Conducts classroom observations
• Serves as a contributing member of interdisciplinary teams and attends various school meetings such as special education eligibility, IEP, etc., as required by division procedures or on an as-needed basis
• Selects appropriate assessments for students referred for special education evaluations
• Systematically collects, analyzes, synthesizes, and interprets data and information necessary to guide decision-making processes and services for students
• Provides input to IEP teams regarding students’ academic strengths and weaknesses based on educational assessment
• Provides training and workshops to students, families, school personnel, and community members
• Engages in professional growth activities to improve skills related to job assignment and participates in relevant team meetings
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding student health and academic records
• Maintains accurate, complete records as required by law, district policy and administrative regulations
• Communicates and works collaboratively with school psychologists, special education teachers, related service providers, the lead school psychologist, and other relevant stakeholders
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education, lead school psychologist, and/or school principal

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have the ability to sit for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer terminal; to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in an office environment.

Reports to:

Director of Special Education and Lead School Psychologist

Terms of Employment:

Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of licensed personnel.

7/10/2024