Special Education Diagnostician

Job Description:

The Educational Diagnostician will be responsible for administering and interpreting educational and/or developmental tests for students who have been referred for an evaluation for special education eligibility. The Educational Diagnostician will select and administer formal and informal assessments to assist a team in determining student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations. They will be responsible for analyzing assessment results and providing a report for review by parents and school staff as a component of the special education eligibility evaluation. The diagnostician will review relevant assessment data from student's scholastic record, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and other information reviewed by the Child Study Team to assist in selecting appropriate formal and informal assessments. The diagnostician will work closely with other division personnel as a member of an educational assessment team. They must be open to receiving feedback, and taking others' thoughts into consideration.

*This position is not available for hire until October 1, 2021.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in Special Education or related discipline required. Minimum of 5 years teaching or related experience.
• Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education license in Special Education or related discipline.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of educational assessments and diagnostic procedures, eligibility criteria for special education, and general education expected curricular outcomes.
• Knowledge of Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
• Ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with students, parents and school staff.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty and/or staff in a team environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate test results and analysis in a manner easily understood by the parent.
• Knowledge of educational development, test administration and interpretation.

Skills :

• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to keep current of all Federal, State, and local mandates for special education to ensure that the school division is in compliance.
• Experience with data collection methods and analyzing data pertaining to special education for purposes of reporting to state and federal agencies, and for planning and evaluating special education services.
• Possesses the essential skills to work collaboratively with school division personnel to implement and monitor special education services.
• Exhibits exceptional written and oral communication skills to respond to parents and advocacy groups and to serve as a representative of the school division.
• Possesses strong management and problem-solving skills.

Essential Functions:

• Receive student referrals from Child Study Team and initiate evaluation.
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  Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
  
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  Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource personnel.
  
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  Conduct classroom observations and student and/or staff interviews.
  
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  Participate in an Eligibility Committee regarding interpretation of assessment data and determining of eligibility criteria standards according to state requirements and district procedures.
  
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  Provide staff development in assigned schools to assist school personnel in the identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
  
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  Attend professional development activities as determined by supervisors.
  
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  Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
  
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  Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
  
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  Comply with policies established by federal and state regulations and the local board policy in the area of students' evaluation and identification for special education.
  
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  Approach with sensitivity and fairness all interactions with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  
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  Approach problem solving tactfully with directness and integrity.
  
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  Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
  
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  Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
  
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  Maintain strict confidentiality of student information.
  
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  Employ collaborative decision-making processes, fostering and promoting collegiality and team building.
  

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Proof of COVID vaccination. Exemptions for religious/medical will be reviewed.
• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP