What are the responsibilities and job description for the Diagnostician - Special Education Dept. position at Special Education Department?
$5,000 RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE AVAILABLE
Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Housing Available on a Limited Basis
DATE POSTED: March 25, 2025
BEGINNING DATE: August 4, 2025
Job Description: Educational Diagnostician
Assess the educational, learning styles, and program needs of students referred to special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel and families to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current New Mexico Educational Diagnostician License
- Be knowledgeable in diagnostic procedures, education of special education students, human development, and learning theories.
Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with staff, students, and parents.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal relationships with staff and students. Understand your role within the school setting and remain within your discipline's boundaries.
- Ensure that you always follow the policies and procedures of the Artesia Public Schools.
- Maintain appropriate records per Artesia Public Schools special education department.
- Refrain from discussing evaluation results prior to meetings unless participating in a staffing.
- Follow the updated Evaluation & Eligibility Timeline. Provide parents with a copy of evaluation prior to the meeting.
- Additional duties as assigned by supervisors.
- Student Assessment:
- Administer standardized and informal educational assessments to evaluate students' learning abilities, cognitive functions, and emotional development. Complete REED, evaluations, and EDT paperwork within timelines.
- Collect and analyze data from tests, observations, and student records to determine students' strengths, weaknesses, and potential learning disabilities.
- Receive student referrals and implement the assessment and evaluation process within New Mexico’s timelines and follow the NM TEAM. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), support staff, parents, and outside resources.
- Collaboration and Consultation:
- Work closely with teachers, school counselors, and parents to interpret assessment results and recommend appropriate educational interventions or accommodations.
- Participate in IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings to provide insight and guidance on student evaluations and educational plans.
- Understand the MLSS process for the Artesia Public Schools.
- Report Writing:
- Prepare detailed reports summarizing assessment findings, diagnoses, and recommendations for students' educational plans.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding student evaluations, including timelines and required documentation.
- Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Track students' progress over time and reassess their needs as necessary.
- Help modify existing educational programs to meet changing student needs.
- Training and Support:
- Provide training to teachers and staff on how to recognize and accommodate learning disabilities in the classroom.
- Serve as a resource for understanding assessment tools, techniques, and student support strategies.
Physical Requirements:
- Sitting for Extended Periods
- School diagnosticians spend a significant amount of time sitting while administering tests, writing reports, or participating in meetings.
- Fine Motor Skills:
- Ability to use a computer, write, and manipulate educational tools and testing materials. Requires frequent hand-eye coordination, such as administering tests or entering data.
- Hearing and Speech:
- Clear and effective communication with students, staff, and parents is critical. Requires the ability to hear student responses, observe behaviors, and engage in discussions.
- Occasional Lifting:
- May require lifting or carrying light materials such as testing kits, educational resources, or student records (typically under 20 pounds).
- Mobility:
- Must be able to move between classrooms, offices, and meeting areas within the school. Some walking, standing, and light physical activity may be required.
- Visual Acuity:
- Requires the ability to see and read student responses, assessment materials, computer screens, and other resources.
WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time Position
HOW TO APPLY: Complete the entire application ONLINE to be considered for this position. Provide complete reference information for each reference including name, address, contact number, and email address. Resume and reference letters are optional.
REQUIREMENTS: The applicant, if selected, MUST undergo a FBI Fingerprint Background Report
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY-Discrimination against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability or any individual by reason of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or national origin is prohibited. Efforts will be made in recruitment and employment to ensure equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons. If due to a disability, you are currently unable to perform any of the job duties identified in this job description, advise the personnel department of that condition. The personnel department will make a determination whether a reasonable accommodation can be made in these job duties and procedures to address that disability.
*REFERENCE'S EMAIL ADDRESSES REQUIRED*
