Diagnostician
Reports to:  Director of Special Education	Department: Special Education	Pay Grade PS3 @197 days	Funding Source:

 

Qualifications

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. 

 

Education/Certification:       

Master’s degree in Educational Assessment required

Valid Texas Educational Diagnostician Certificate Valid Texas Teaching Certificate

Valid Texas Special Education Certificate

 

Special Knowledge/Skills:   

Knowledge of diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human development and learning theories

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Strong communication skills in English and Spanish

 

Experience:                    

Minimum of three (3) years classroom teaching experience

 

 

            Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board of Trustees may find appropriate and acceptable

PSJA Leadership Skills and Expectations

In PSJA ISD, we hire individuals who are expected to embody the Spirit of PSJA and demonstrate these characteristics as they lead others.  

 

Positive Engagement Welcomes staff, students, parents, and community as honored members at the district table	Builds relationships – Builds positive, trusting relationships through frequent interactions which demonstrate care and interest in well-being of all stakeholders Exhibits professionalism– Exhibits awareness and reflection to manage emotions and engage in continuous personal growth Models ethics – Exemplifies the values and priorities of the district through consistent actions and service to stakeholders Communicates effectively- Maintains open lines of two-way communication with staff, students, parents, and community to receive input and provide information for engagement with district vision
Student-centered Excellence Holds vision and expectations for success for all students and all staff	Demonstrates expertise – Possesses up-to-date knowledge and skills to perform organizational role at a high level of competence Establishes shared vision – Articulates the school’s mission to the community and solicits support in making that mission become a reality Implements plans- Works with all stakeholders to implement vision by establishing goal, monitoring progress, and providing resources Expects results – Pursues exceptional results for all students by holding self and others accountable and driving for continuous improvement
Joint Empowerment Develops and empowers individuals and teams for effective action	Promotes collaboration – Designs organizational structures to promote collaboration and teamwork for distributed leadership throughout the district Inspires Action – Motivates others to take responsible risks and perform at their highest level to support district vision and goals Builds capacity – Provides opportunities for growth to ensure all staff build capacity to support district goals Develops leaders – Identifies, develops, and places future leaders through rigorous processes and strategic leadership assignments
Adaptive Innovation Maintains district at the forefront of educational service providers	Scans Environment – Analyzes and applies understanding of internal organization and external environment to assess and respond to the district’s future advancement Manages change – Demonstrates courage, initiative, and perseverance in bringing about meaningful change to support the shared vision Champions solutions – Challenges the status quo by collaboratively exploring new and better ways of doing things Acknowledges outcomes – Creates a positive environment for growth by celebrating success and learning from failure

 

Technical Skills, Responsibilities and Duties

 

In PSJA ISD, we hire individuals who demonstrate excellence in these technical areas as they lead others

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process.

1. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.

1. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teachers(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.

1. Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.

1. 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.

1. Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.

1.  Assist classroom teachers with implementation of IEP.

1. Consult parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.

1. Consult parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.

1. Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.

1. Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment.

1. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.

1. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

1. 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.

1. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

1. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

1. Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.

1. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

 

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.

 

It is the policy of the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, national origin or age.

 

 

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.

 

 

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