GENERAL DESCRIPTION Responsible for and implements the special education assessment process including all individual evaluations and related documentation for students referred or eligible for special education services. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for potentially aggressive/combative youth in a correctional setting with a wide variety of temperaments (volatile, aggressive, suicidal) and specialized needs (chemically dependent, sexual offenders). Treats youth with respect in all situations and the ability to react quickly and effectively to verbally and physically defuse hazardous, combative, volatile situations on an as needed basis. May supervise other staff. May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per work week, be on-call and travel occasionally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Administers diagnostic (academic and non-academic) assessment instruments and accurately scores and interprets results.

Communicates with public schools about incoming and outgoing special education students.

Responsible for compliance with special education regulations and in training school personnel in regard to these regulations.

Completes and maintains necessary records for submission to TEA and TJJD.

Coordinates special education programs with all school programs.

Assists campus Principal’s with in-service training of staff, particularly in relation to special education and student assessment.

Assists teachers in reviewing IEP’s (individual education plan) each grading period.

Performs a variety of related duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

Performs all duties in compliance with agency safety policies and procedures: Reports safety hazards and corrects hazards when possible.

Completes required documentation in the event of an accident/injury within requested time frames. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency attendance and leave policies.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

And

Valid Texas Certification as an Educational Diagnostician or Licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP).

Or

Enrollment in an Educational Diagnostician or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) program in an accredited college or university. Preferred: Experience with children and adolescents in teaching or evaluation/assessment (educational and/or psychological). Note : Any degree, diploma, high school equivalent, or course hours required to meet minimum qualifications must be obtained from an accredited educational institution.

This position is subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing and any offer of employment is contingent upon acceptable results from a drug screen conducted for the agency.

Requirements for Continued Employment:

·Obtain a State of Texas licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) within one year of hire.

·Obtain a State of Texas certification as an Educational Diagnostician within one year of hire.

·Failure to obtain the required licensure or certification within the time frame or failure to maintain the required licensure in good standing for any reason are grounds for termination of employment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The following physical demands and working conditions are representative of those encountered and/or necessary for the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Analyzing

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing

Ability to see

Ability to hear (with or without aid)

Lifting up to 25 lbs

Climbing ladders

Carrying up to 25 lbs

Pulling

Repeated bending

Operate motor equipment

Reaching above shoulder

Dual simultaneous grasping

Identify colors

Walking

Depth perception

Standing

Sitting

Crawling

Twisting

Kneeling

Pushing

Stooping

Climbing stairs

Perform tactile discernment

Manual/finger dexterity KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge of: State and federal education laws and regulations affecting the identification and programming of students with disabilities.

Subject matter content and the ability to lead discussions.

Test construction and statistical theory and applications. ·Or ability to acquire knowledge of agency policies and procedures. Special education confidentiality policies and applications. Skill in:

·Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support the overall business strategy.

·Working collaboratively to establish rapport and build credibility with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders.

·Demonstrating being fair, impartial, and unaffected by personal biases.

·Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

·Using computers and applicable software.

·Interpreting and applying rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to: Implement Texas Education Agency (TEA) education policies and procedures.

Coordinate and participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to district procedures.

Make recommendations for intervention.

Review and implement agency policies, procedures, and operating guidelines.

Convey and interpret information to students.

Communicate orally and in writing with students, parents, administrators, and other professionals involved in the education of agency youth.

Work under stressful conditions, with possible occurrences of extreme heightened stress.

Work independently with minimum supervision.

Work effectively as a team member and get along with others.

Keep accurate files and records.

Work in excess of 40 hours per work week, be on-call and travel occasionally. Benefits include: Retirement plan, paid group health & life insurance for employee, paid holidays, paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, longevity pay, educational assistance program, employee assistance program. Optional add-on benefits include: Dental, Vision, Optional Life Insurance, Voluntary AD&D Insurance, Dependent Health & Life insurance, Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts, etc. Additionally, certain designated positions are eligible for hazardous duty pay, career ladder advancements, and free meals while on duty.