Diagnostic Evaluation Specialist

Department: SPECIAL EDUCATION Reports to: Coordinator IV Special Education Pay Grade: 206 Diagnostic Evaluation Specialist Pool Duty Days: 192 Salary Range: $71,124 - $85,692 Duty Days: 210 Salary Range: $77,792 - $93,725 FLSA Status: Exempt Some positions may be grant-funded and contingent on availability of funds. Position Purpose Provides educational assessment services for students referred to special education programs; assists in coordination of special education program, coordinates and facilitates Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee meetings. Maintains compliance of all federal laws regarding Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Essential Job Functions Assists in the coordination of special education services in assigned schools. Provides individualized student assessment to determine eligibility for special education services. Compiles and evaluates comprehensive student information including classroom observations; personal interviews with the student, teacher(s), parents, and others; and relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder. Interprets assessment information to school personnel, parents, and community agencies. Employs assessment data to prepare comprehensive assessment reports. Maintains and reviews current data in student eligibility folders, and transfers folders as needed. Uses the Special Education Electronic Management System to facilitate ARDs, to retrieve information, and manage all information for students with disabilities. Maintains compliance with IDEIA rules, regulations, and timelines. Trains special education staff in assigned schools in preparing required paperwork. Assists staff in preparing official reports required by local, state, and federal agencies. Coordinates compliance directives with campus administration. Participates in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to District procedures. Participates in campus multidisciplinary team to develop solutions for all struggling students. Assists classroom teachers with implementation of IEP. Acts as consultant to assist with Response to Intervention (RTI) and 504 interventions for students being considered for special education. Coordinates with Directors regarding compliance and programmatic issues on campuses. Presents professional learning training on special education related topics. Maintains security of confidential materials and equipment. Assists with assessments programs and projects. Safety Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties including lifting and climbing; operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures. Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor. Personal Work Relationships All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals. Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic. Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer. Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations. Other Duties As Assigned Performs all job-related duties as assigned and in accordance with Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding special population students' services and programs, and diagnostic evaluation. Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiation of instruction necessary to create effective and productive student-centered learning environments. Knowledge of content facts, concepts, theories, and principles that are being taught and learned. Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively. Skill in using qualitative and quantitative data to make decisions about teaching and learning, including student and teacher assessments. Skill in program planning, development, analysis, and evaluation. Skill at the advanced-college level, in writing, speaking, and interpersonal communication skills, including principles of English and grammar usage. Skill in professional learning, technical assistance, and consultation. Ability to work with students with physical, emotional, educational, and/or intellectual disabilities. Ability to conduct classroom observations, and decide what professional learning to provide for teachers and staff. Ability to provide information and assist office personnel, parents and students related to District programs and activities. Ability to aggregate and analyze student outcome data, gaining insights, and communicating those insights to teachers. Ability to handle files and records of a confidential nature. Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing. Ability to organize and coordinate work. Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms. Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work. Travel Requirements Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required. Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment. Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, crouching, crawling, and twisting. Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; frequent use of hands for fine manipulation, handle or feel with hands and arms; frequent walking and climbing stairs. Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may require frequent heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift/move adaptive equipment. Exerting: Frequently 10-25 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally 20-50 pounds. Environment: Works in an office setting; frequent talking and listening; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours. Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions. Minimum Required Qualifications Education: Master's degree from accredited college or university in Education or a-related field. Certification/License: Valid Teaching Certificate required; Valid Texas Education Diagnostician certification required; Valid Texas Special Education Teaching Certificate in one or more areas of special education preferred. Experience: 3 years' teaching required; 3 years' as an educational diagnostician preferred in some settings; Experience working with diverse student populations preferred. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Fort Worth ISD