Special Education Assessment Specialist
The Role
Thrive seeks a skilled and knowledgeable Assessment Specialist (Educational Diagnostician or School Psychologist) to join our team and provide comprehensive assessment services in a school setting. The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting psycho-educational assessments, analyzing data, and supporting the development of individualized educational plans (IEPs) for students with suspected disabilities. This role will also include collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents to ensure appropriate interventions are in place to support students’ academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
The Assessment Specialist will support Thrive’s vision/mission, model, and programs through supportive services. Thrive utilizes the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling (CABAS) model of instruction, and all staff members are expected to learn this
framework and identify its connection to their work. For more on CABAS, visit
cabasschools.org. The Assessment Specialist will report to the Director of Special Education.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Education: Master’s or Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology, School Psychology, Special Education, or a related field.
• Certification/License: Certification or licensure as an Educational Diagnostician or School Psychologist, as required by state law. Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) is preferred.
• Experience: At least [1] years of experience conducting educational assessments, with a background in special education or school psychology. Experience in IEP development and behavioral assessments is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Laws and Regulations: Strong knowledge of federal and state special education regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and state-specific guidelines.
Desired Skills:
• Expertise in administering and interpreting psycho-educational assessments and diagnostic tools.
• Ability to analyze data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information to diverse audiences, including parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Experience working with students of all ages, with an understanding of developmental and educational needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team, while also working independently.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple assessments and meet deadlines.
Responsibilities
• Core Skills: Demonstrate knowledge, and support of Thrive Center for Success’ mission, values, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, Employee Handbook expectations and code of ethical behavior as stated in the Handbook. Ensures compliance with all state and federal laws, local board policies, administrative guidelines, and the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics. Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible and (combined) serves as appropriate role model for Thrive Center for Success’ colleagues, students, staff, and parents.
• Conduct Assessments: Administer a variety of standardized tests and other evaluation tools to assess students’ cognitive, emotional, academic, and behavioral functioning. Evaluate data from multiple sources, including observations, teacher reports, and parent input, to identify students’ strengths and areas for support.
• Provide Recommendations: Based on assessment results, provide recommendations for instructional strategies, accommodations, and interventions to support students’ learning needs. Assist in developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with specific, measurable goals.
• Collaborate with IEP Teams: Participate in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions, providing input on assessment results, student progress, and appropriate support services. Collaborate with educators, special education staff, and parents to develop appropriate educational programs and services.
• Monitor Progress: Track the progress of students receiving interventions based on assessments. Adjust recommendations and goals as needed based on student performance and needs.
• Consultation and Support: Consult with teachers, school administrators, and other staff members to provide guidance on best practices for supporting students with diverse needs. Advise on the development and implementation of academic and behavioral strategies.
• Data Analysis: Analyze assessment data and prepare written reports, summarizing findings and recommendations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all evaluations and interventions.
• Parent and Family Engagement: Communicate assessment results to parents, providing them with clear and actionable information regarding their child’s needs. Offer recommendations and resources for supporting students at home.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that assessments and documentation are conducted in compliance with federal, state, and district regulations, including IDEA and Section 504. Prepare reports for internal use and external reporting requirements.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with educational assessment practices, special education laws, and trends in student support services.
• Behavioral Assessments: School psychologists/LSSPs will conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address behavioral concerns. Offer strategies for classroom management and student support.
• Psychological/Related Service: School psychologists/LSSPs will develop, implement, and monitor the provision of Psychological Services and/or Counseling as a Related Services. Participation in structured social skills instruction may be required.
Thrive Center for Success remains a start-up school with a small team in the early years. The Assessment Specialist will be responsible and accountable for supporting the school in implementation and may be asked to step into projects not specifically outlined above.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation based on relevant experience and years of service.
Terms of employment (Full vs. Part-Time, Salaried vs. Contract) negotiable.
Thrive offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental benefits, and time off via school holidays, summer break, and PTO. Thrive is a participant in the Teacher’s Retirement System of Texas (TRS).