Section 504 Coordinator

FLSA Status:                  Non-Exempt                  

Department/Location:      Pupil Services

Pay Grade:                   G14             

Salary Range:               $53,238-$85,181                

Job Summary

This position is responsible for coordinating the school division’s efforts to comply with Section 504. 

Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.  Section 504 provides that “[n]o otherwise qualified individual with a disability . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . .”  Title II extends this prohibition against discrimination to the full range of state and local government services, programs, and activities (including public schools) regardless of whether they receive any Federal financial assistance. 

The Section 504 regulations require a school division to provide a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school division’s jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.  Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student’s individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Developing a working knowledge of current laws, regulations, and guidelines related to Section 504

• Facilitating the implementation of Section 504 policies and procedures

• Providing ongoing training and support to staff regarding Section 504 and the implementation of the Section 504 procedures 

• Serving as a daily resource to building administrators, building level teams, and community members regarding Section 504 issues. The 504 Coordinator will assist school staff with:

• • Coordinating referrals 

  • Determining appropriate 504 team composition 

  • Facilitating evaluations/eligibility determinations 

  • Providing notices and consents 

  • Developing 504 plans 

  • Monitoring the implementation of 504 plans 

  • Scheduling annual reviews of 504 students 

  • Assuring that 504 plans move with the student to the next level or new school 

  • Advises the school administrator regarding discipline issues and procedures for Section 504 eligible students being considered for suspension or expulsion

• Participating on Section 504 teams as needed (all new eligibilities)

• Overseeing the collection and maintenance of all Section 504 data (Eligibility Summaries, Section 504 plans, etc.) for future reference

• Serving as a liaison between the school building and other Central Office staff regarding Section 504 issues

• Coordinating Section 504 grievance procedures 

• Serving as the school district’s liaison to the Office for Civil Rights. (OCR complaint resolution and corrective action plan implementation)

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional school- based leadership experience preferred

• Demonstrates ability to cultivate relationships and motivate a team

• Excellent team player, with willingness to be hands-on

• Demonstrates creativity and problem-solving skills 

• Tremendous organizational skills and attention to detail

• A positive, high-energy attitude and a driver for personal excellence

• Master’s degree preferred

• Experience with 504’s preferred

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, kneel, crouch, and talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically works in a general office and classroom setting; frequent interruptions and many deadlines to meet.

The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Terms of Employment

This position is an 11 month (220 day) position.  Salary to be established by the school board.

This position is a 1 year only, grant funded position that will expire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

Evaluation

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with School Board’s policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.

Franklin County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.