Section 504 Coordinator

Description

The Section 504 Coordinator provides leadership and oversight for the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and related federal and state requirements. The Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating school practices and procedures related to Section 504, providing guidance to administrators and staff; coordinating the identification and evaluation process for eligible students; and ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate access to educational programs, services, and activities.

The highly effective Section 504 Coordinator works collaboratively with the Instructional Coach and school administration to ensure quality and consistency in the instruction of students who receive a 504 Plan, by providing direct and indirect instructional support to all teachers to improve instruction and increase academic outcomes through professional development and 1-1 collaboration. 

Essential Skills:

• A high level of organization and the ability to perform multiple tasks.
• The ability to interact with students, parents, and teachers in a confident and professional manner.
• Familiarity with designing and implementing specialized instruction
• Writing 504 documents that conform to federal, state and district requirements. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to read, analyze, and interpret information in a variety of formats.
• Display a high level of professionalism in conduct, appearance, and communication.
• Support the value of an education for all students.
• Support the mission and vision of the school.

Essential Job Duties/Functions:

• Direct and coordinate the school's Section 504 program and serve as the primary resource for Section 504 compliance.
• Develop, review, and recommend procedures, guidelines, forms, and practices related to Section 504.
• Interpret federal and state requirements and translate regulatory requirements into operational procedure and identify areas requiring corrective action or improvement.
• Establish processes for consistent documentation, evaluation, eligibility determination, accommodation planning, implementation, and periodic review.
• Maintain oversight of Section 504 records, processes, and compliance documentation.
• Review needs of new and continuing students and coordinate services.
• Create and maintain a schedule for services for students.  
• Collaborate and support teachers and/or direction of paraeducators.
• Maintain all Section 504 documents with 100% compliance
• Assist in the identification, evaluation, and determination of eligibility for students suspected of having a disability under Section 504
• Support teachers in the implementation of appropriate instructional strategies, modifications, and accommodations for students.
• Provide training to school staff to ensure high-quality instruction for students under Section 504.
• Assist with performing educational and behavioral assessments of students including observations, records review, communication with teachers, and formal academic or behavioral evaluations.
• Collect and analyze academic and other student data for instructional decision-making.
• Serve as the point of contact for parents of students with a Section 504 Plan.
• Facilitate the Section 504 evaluation/reevaluation process.
• Create a schedule for Section 504 meetings.
• Ensure confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA and IDEA.
• Collaborate with the School Leader and Curriculum Coach to compile and analyze data for students under Section 504
• Respond to parent or staff concerns promptly.
• Act as a resource to all staff regarding the school’s 504 program  policies/procedures.
• Effectively utilize technology and systems appropriate to the position.
• Comply with State Law, School and District policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as may be assigned by the School Leader or their designee

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; master’s degree preferred
• Experience working in K-12 education, students services, special education, school administration, counseling, psychology, or a related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of Section 504 and disability-related educational requirements
• Demonstrated ability to interpret regulations, policies, and procedural requirements
• Knowledge of  state and federal compliance requirements
• Experience providing professional guidance, training, or technology assistance to educators and administrators
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education special education, educational leadership, or related field
• Administrative or supervisory experience
• Experience coordinating a Section 504 program
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, FERPA, and related federal and state requirements