Diagnostician

Denton Independent School District•Denton, TX

About The Position

The Diagnostician serves as a primary member of the multidisciplinary evaluation and planning team responsible for determining student eligibility for special education services. The role coordinates and facilitates comprehensive evaluations, including assessment of cognitive and educational functioning and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Diagnostician provides consultation and guidance to teachers, parents and guardians, and support personnel on eligibility, IEP development and implementation, and evidence-based instructional strategies, while ensuring district compliance with legal and procedural requirements related to special education evaluation, placement, and service planning. This is a grant-funded position; continued employment is contingent upon grant funding. The position reports to the Director of Special Education and Special Education Supervisor. It is classified as exempt and is assigned to Special Education at an assigned campus. The Superintendent of Schools approves the appointment based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Valid Texas Educational Diagnostician certification issued by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC), or a Texas license as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), including LSSP Trainee status, as applicable.
Basic knowledge of federal laws, state guidelines, and local district policies related to special education evaluation and services.
Comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic assessment procedures, instructional strategies, behavioral modifications, and accommodations.
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Advanced ability to interpret and analyze assessment data to inform educational decisions and eligibility determinations.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional and ethical standards.
Ability to follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Nice To Haves

Three years of successful teaching experience (preferred).
Bilingual proficiency in reading, writing, or speaking a second language (beneficial but not required).

Responsibilities

Implement, complete, and follow required evaluation and eligibility procedures and timelines.
Select and administer formal and informal evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services in accordance with federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
Accurately score and interpret assessment and evaluation data, and communicate results through reports, IEP Committee participation, and parent conferences.
Update, maintain, and appropriately use assessment and evaluation tools.
Comply with local, state, and federal requirements related to evaluation, placement, and special education service planning.
Collect and organize evaluation data from student cumulative folders, teachers, principals, support staff, parents and guardians, and outside service providers.
Maintain accurate and timely records, reports, eligibility folders, and related documentation, and protect the confidentiality of student information.
Prepare for and coordinate IEP meetings within required timelines, ensure appropriate participants are included, address required meeting components, and follow applicable legal procedures.
Provide school personnel with updates and guidance regarding laws, rules, policies, procedures, and local guidelines related to special education assessment, evaluation, placement, and planning.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team and make recommendations about instructional strategies and materials related to the IEP.
Consult with team members, parents and guardians, and other relevant individuals to support IEP development and implementation.
Maintain positive working relationships and communicate professionally with team members, families, students, and other stakeholders.
Share expertise with colleagues and support district and campus initiatives.
Contribute to campus and district projects and teams, stay current on research, best practices, and technology related to evaluations and eligibility, and provide professional development on special education supports and strategies.
Follow professional and ethical standards, district policies and procedures, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
Participate in professional development, faculty and department meetings, and assigned special events, and perform additional duties as assigned.