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POSITION: 504 Compliance Specialist

LOCATION: Office of Student Support Services - Central Office

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Student Support Services and/or designee

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Executive Director of Student Support Services, the 504 Compliance Specialist will:

• Assist in building the capacity of school teams to implement processes and provide student supports that ensure compliance with Section 504 law
• Facilitate shared understanding among school teams to help Hartford Public Schools (HPS) meet its responsibilities under Section 504 law
• Serve as a resource to schools for the identification, evaluation, and accommodation of HPS students with physical or mental impairments that may qualify them for anti-discrimination protections from the Office of Civil Rights, under Section 504
• Serve as the primary point of contact for both in-district and out-of-district 504 cases, attending meetings as needed

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help build the capacity of school teams to facilitate well-run, legally defensible 504 meetings within the Hartford Public Schools (HPS)
• Facilitate ongoing professional learning for school-based 504 coordinators on district-specific forms and electronic student management systems
• Facilitate professional learning for staff to strengthen data collection and data-informed decision making
• Collect, manage, and maintain data for students with 504 plans across various electronic student management systems
• Serves as a resource and provides support to schools in use of 504 Direct
• Help build the capacity of school teams to address specific needs related to the identification, evaluation, and accommodation of students who have physical or mental impairments that may qualify them for protection under Section 504
• Serve as a resource for identifying needs and coordinating services for students with 504 -protected impairments
• Work with Health Services staff (e.g., nurses) to support the development and implementation of emergency care plans for medically fragile students
• Serve as a resource to school-based 504 teams across Hartford Public Schools
• Participate in collaborative efforts between Health Services, Student Support Services, and Special Education to address the needs of students with 504-protected impairments
• Serve as a liaison with charter and choice schools for Hartford students requiring Section 504 protections
• Facilitate 504 meetings for Hartford students attending out of district magnet schools
• Collaborate on and/or lead proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that support the district’s strategic plan
• Maintain a professional code of ethics and values
• ·Respond to internal and external stakeholders in a timely, accurate, courteous, and empathetic manner that reflects positively on HPS
• Model the routine and effective use of technology in daily work, including communications, organization, and task management
• Provide leadership, assistance, and expertise in developing district-wide consistency and standardization of services for students requiring Section 504 protections

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, including related legislation, assessment procedures, and accommodation options
• Bachelor’s degree in human services, education, health, or related field (e.g., social work, nursing, etc.) with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience; in lieu of bachelor’s degree, 12 years of 504 compliance experience is required
• Knowledge of school health procedures including applicable state and federal mandates
• Knowledge of episodic, chronic, and emergent care and issues affecting children in the school setting
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with staff at all levels, families, and - when necessary - community groups
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents/guardians, staff, and students
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of central office and schools
• Ability to use technology intentionally and effectively in daily work, to communicate and organize, prioritize and manage tasks
• Proficiency in modern office technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and other applicable programs
• Ability to transport self between work locations (use of personal vehicle)
• Excellent customer service, written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong orientation toward urban school systems, preferred
• Bilingual (English and Spanish), preferred

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Non-certified

UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Educational Support Personnel (HESP)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a ten-month position, and the salary is in accordance with the for Hartford Educational Support Personnel (HESP) 2025-026 Salary Schedule, Grid A-515, $60,789 - $73,216.

APPLICATION PROCESS: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application. To apply, please visit https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford and follow the appropriate link. Internal candidates are advised to use their personal email when applying. Upon submission, candidates’ applications and supporting documents will be reviewed. Successful candidates will be invited to next steps in the selection process.