504 Coordinator

Job Description

Title:                504 Coordinator (Grades 5-12)
Division:           Middle & Upper Schools
Reports To:      Director of Special Education
Status:             Full-time, Exempt, (Year-round), CalSTRS Retirement Eligible
Salary:              $80,750-$87,875 & MWA Benefits

Summary
The 504 Coordinator oversees the implementation and management of Section 504 plans for students with disabilities and or will be in need of school accommodations in grades 5-12. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with federal regulations, coordinate accommodations, and communicate with various school community groups such as administrators, teachers, students, school nurses and parents. 
This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the educational experiences of students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will be passionate about ensuring equal access to education and committed to supporting the diverse needs of our student population. Some evening work and Saturdays may be required for parent meetings or staff training sessions.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Program Management & Case Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee the school’s 504 program for grades 5-12
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws regarding Section 504
• Coordinate the identification, evaluation, and placement of students eligible for 504 services
• Manage and maintain accurate records of all 504 plans
• Conduct periodic reviews of 504 plans to ensure their effectiveness
• Coordinate the transition of 504 plans for students transferring into MWA, moving between schools or grade levels

• Work closely with school administrators, teachers, counselors, and parents
• Schedule and facilitate 504 team meetings and lead the development of 504 plans
• Provide guidance to staff on implementing accommodations and modifications
• Collaborate with the Special Education department to ensure appropriate placement and services
• Coordinate with other staff (e.g., nurses, social worker and Deans) to provide comprehensive support

• Conduct training sessions for staff on Section 504 regulations and best practices
• Keep staff informed about updates to 504 laws and district policies

• Serve as a liaison between families and the school regarding 504 matters
• Advocate for students' rights and ensure appropriate accommodations are provided
• Assist in resolving disputes related to 504 plans

• Monitor the effectiveness of 504 plans and accommodations
• Prepare reports on 504 program data and outcomes for district administration
• Participate in program audits and compliance reviews

• Demonstrate knowledge and support of Making Waves Academy’s mission, core values, standards, competencies, and code of conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in the school community – attending school competitions, performances, assemblies, and extracurricular activities. 
• Participate in required campus supervision duties every week, from Monday to Friday, with varying frequency depending on the semester's supervision assignment.

• This job operates in an office and school environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
• Some travel required for MWA related events, such as workshops or conferences.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to move around campus, stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone, and keyboard.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting may be required.

• Bachelor's degree in education, special education, or a related field and 5+ years’ experience in special education or related field, e.g., case management, educational program planning
• Comprehensive knowledge of Section 504 regulations and implementation. Experience developing and implementing accommodation plans
• Ideally, has a clear SPED credential. Out of state education specialist credential (SPED) is accepted but it must be transferable  to CA.
• Background working with diverse student and family populations, including English Learners, students with complex needs, and historically underserved communities. Demonstrated knowledge of special education inclusion best practices

• Ability to track and report on student progress and instructional effectiveness. Ability to make data-driven decisions and implement solutions that improve student outcomes.
• Highly organized, goal-oriented, and focused on outcomes. The ability to be proactive and meet strict deadlines
• Ability to adapt and align on school-related initiatives, and willingness to uphold and reinforce school policies and procedures
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, and work effectively in fast-paced environment 
• Comfortable learning and using the digital tools MWA uses, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and team-building skills. Ability to communicate with and build relationships with students and their families. Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required
• Professional orientation – appearance, communication, organization, and attitude
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address challenges in a timely and effective manner. Ability to adapt to changing regulations, student needs, and educational environments

• Employment eligibility will include fingerprints/Live Scan, tuberculosis (TB) screening, and other employment clearance

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Reasonable Accommodation
Consistent with its obligations under the law, MWA will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Is Our Policy

Making Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the School to afford equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their perceived or identified: race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyle, including but not limited to braids, locks, and twists); color; gender, (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity, whether or not the employee is transitioning or has transitioned); sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to such); religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices); marital/registered domestic partner status; age (forty (40) and over); national origin or ancestry (including native language spoken and possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their presence in the U.S. is authorized by federal law); physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS); medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics); taking of a leave of absence pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), Pregnancy Disability Leave (“PDL”) law, Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”), the Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), or laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking laws; genetic information; sexual orientation; military and veteran status; or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of the employment relationship, including the hiring of new employees and the training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation and benefits of existing employees. For a full copy of our non-discrimination policy, visit: https://bit.ly/mwapublicnotices