Diagnostician (2025-2026)

Reports to: Campus Principal and Special Education Supervisor

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Compensation Plan: Professional/Administrators

Pay Grade: 03

Minimum Salary: $ 64,338

Duty Days: 197 days per year

Primary Purpose:

Primary member of the multi-disciplinary evaluation and planning team who determines eligibility for special education services. Coordinates and facilitates the assessment of intelligence, educational functioning and the collection and analysis of data. Provides consultation to teachers, parents, support personnel and community agencies. This includes but is not limited to consultation concerning the individualized educational program, its implementation and strategies for learning. Acts as a source to ensure district complies with all legal and compliance issues associated with special education at the local, state, and federal level.

Qualifications:

Education and Certification

• Master’s degree required
• Diagnostician/LSSP Certification as required by State Board for Educator Certification or Texas License: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or Trainee LSSP

Experience

• Three (3) years of successful teaching experience preferred

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of federal laws, state guidelines and local district policies
• Working knowledge of diagnostic procedures, instructional and behavioral modifications and accommodations
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to read, write and speak a second language is beneficial, but not required

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Implements, completes, and adheres to required procedures and timelines.
• Collects and organizes relevant evaluation data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents and outside resource people.
• Selects and administers formal and informal evaluations to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
• Scores and interprets assessment/evaluation data accurately. Effectively conveys the results of assessments/evaluations through written and oral communication (i.e., comprehensive report, IEP Committee participation, parent conferences, etc.).
• Updates, maintains and appropriately uses assessment/evaluation tools.
• Prepares for and coordinates IEP meetings within required timelines; coordinates appropriate participants for IEP meetings; addresses required components during IEP meetings; and, demonstrates an understanding of legal procedures related to the IEP process.
• Updates school personnel with relevant information regarding federal and state law, Commissioner’s Rules, policies and procedures and local operational guidelines in the areas of assessment/evaluation, placement and planning for special education services.
• Collaborates with all members of the multi-disciplinary team and makes appropriate recommendations concerning instructional strategies and materials related to the IEP.
• Consults with the multi-disciplinary team, parents/guardians, and other relevant individuals as appropriate to the IEP development and implementation.
• Demonstrates skill and accuracy in management of records and reports.
• Maintains a positive, collaborative working relationship with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, parents/guardians, students, and other entities, as required.
• Communicates effectively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, parents/guardians, and students through oral and written means.
• Shares knowledge, skill, and time to assist colleagues and others when requested.
• Serves as an active participant on campus and district projects and teams.
• Participates in professional development to improve skills related to job responsibilities.
• Maintains current knowledge regarding research, development, and technology in the field of individual evaluation relating to student eligibility for special education services.
• Observes professional and ethical standards, in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Professional Code of Ethics.
• Attends and participates in campus, departmental, and district meetings as required.
• Provides campus and district professional development, upon request, to address campus and district needs relating to special education supports and strategies.
• Conducts self in a professional, ethical manner in all job responsibilities and roles.
• Maintains rules of confidentiality in reviewing and communicating information.
• Demonstrates an understanding of legal procedures related to the IEP process.
• Demonstrates skill and accuracy in management of eligibility folders, records and reports.
• Complies with policies established by local, state, and federal requirements, routines, and regulations in the areas of evaluation, placement, and planning for special education services.

Other Related Duties:

• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Participates in professional development, department meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools and Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

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.

Appointment:

The appointment of this position will be recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Superintendent of Schools based on the applicant’s training, experience, and expertise. The Board of Trustees must give final approval.

THE DENTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER