Job Title:                        Educational Diagnostician - Early Childhood Special Education 

Department:                  Early Childhood Special Education

Pay Grade:                     Teacher's Salary Schedule

FLSA Status:                  Exempt

Reports to:                     Associate Director, Special Services

 

GENERAL PURPOSE 

The job of Educational Diagnostician administers and interprets cognitive and educational assessments to determine eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Examiner will also assist the special education staff in the development of effective programming for children with disabilities or significant developmental delays based on the results of the educational evaluation.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Participates in meetings, processes, etc. in order to meet program guidelines and/or ensure that Federal law and State mandates are achieved.


• Administers educational evaluations in order to assist in determining eligibility for services in compliance with regulatory requirements.


• Maintains a variety of confidential manual and electronic documents, files, and records (e.g. test scores, student evaluations, etc.) in order to provide up-to-date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements. 


• Case manages students' during the evaluation process. 


• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned in order to convey and/or gather information required to perform functions. 


• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. correspondence, reports, etc.) in order to document activities and provide written reports to convey information. 


• Manages student behavior in order to provide a safe and optimal learning environment.


• Participates in a variety of meetings in order to conveying and/or gather information required to perform functions. 


• Reports health and safety issues to assigned administrator and appropriate agencies.


• Responds to emergency situations in order to resolve immediate safety concerns and/or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

 

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in job-related area, required.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Certification as a Special Education Teacher, School Psychological Examiner, or School Psychologist, issued by the State Board of Education; or a Licensed Professional Counselor license issued by Division of Professional Registration


• Ability to gain and maintain “Highly Qualified” status as defined by Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, required

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; teaching strategies; working with families; and stages of child development.


• Knowledge of algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.


• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.


• Skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including: operating standard office equipment including utilizing pertinent software applications; planning and managing projects and programs; overseeing program financial activities; developing effective working relationships; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and administering personnel policies and procedures; and coordinating with other agencies.


• Ability to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, analyze and/or classify data; to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Department and programs.


• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals under a wide variety of circumstances.


• Ability to analyze issues, data, create action plans and ensure that success of Department and District strategic objectives.


• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.


• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality; set priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; work with detailed information; and adapt to changing priorities.


• Ability to set high expectations for self and others; set and monitor progress toward goals; and utilize and offer effective feedback to continuously improve.


• Ability to work as part of a team; adapt to changing priorities; and apply logical processes and analytical skills.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 5% walking, and 75% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.


• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.


• The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.


• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.


• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, grasping, hearing, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, visual acuity and walking.