] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, SCHOOL COUNSELING, SECTION 504

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Instructional Specialist, School Counseling, Section 504

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, School Counseling, Section 504 GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, assists in continuous monitoring of compliance with state and federal regulations regarding students with disabilities. Provides technical assistance to parents and schools relating to the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) regulations and processes. Develops effective tracking system and provides periodic reports to office leadership with data and information relative to compliance; assists in developing and proposing corrective actions and improvements for consideration and implementation. Serves as a support and resource for parents, school administration and staff and provides guidance, professional development for various aspects of 504 plan implementation, case management and proper documentation practices, and participates in dispute resolution as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the organization of MCPS and MCPS policies and procedures. Knowledge of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR); Section 504; and other legislation that impacts students with disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with parents/guardians and staff members to resolve disputes. Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to collect and analyze data, work with Access and Excel databases, utilize standardized audit tools, analyze data reports, and other correspondence. Ability to exercise independent initiative to perform both original and recurring assignments. Ability to use word processing and presentation software. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the MCPS Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, counseling or related field. A minimum of five years or more experience in teaching, counseling, or development of Section 504 Plans. Demonstrated knowledge of Section 504 regulations, case law, and MCPS procedures related to Child Find, eligibility, evaluations and reevaluations under Section 504, as well as, the development of Section 504 plans and testing accommodations. Demonstrated experience with data monitoring. Demonstrated ability with collaborative communication skills to facilitate mediation. Experience with organizational communications, public relations, and community relations is desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform. Demonstrated leadership experiences, experience in planning and conducting professional learning opportunities effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for school counselor and/or Maryland APC for special education or related field preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides assistance to specific Section 504 duties of MCPS counselors including 504 case management.

Develops, and presents ongoing professional development to district staff regarding Section 504 and the implementation of the Section 504 procedures.

Serves as a daily resource to district administrators, building level teams, counselors, parents/guardians, and community members regarding Section 504 issues.

Collaborates and supports the Office of Resolution and Compliance Unit regarding Section 504 compliance issues and needs.

Serves as support to schools when school counselors are on leave by assisting with chairing Section 504 meetings and completing Section 504 documentation on Synergy SE.

Analyzes data reports to determine trends, and school specific needs to support schools in proper implementation of Section 504.

Provides guidance and support to school counselors on case management and implementation of Section 504.

Serves as a model and coach to new counselors on how to manage their Section 504 caseload, completion of paperwork, and all other case management responsibilities.

Monitors and supports school counselors on the Section 504 process at the request of the school principal.

Facilitates quarterly meetings with new counselors and resource counselors on school specific needs including Section 504.

Collaborates with school administrators and counselors to determine school specific needs to develop a plan to support their understanding as well as implementation of Section 504 in their school building.
Class Established: 6/2023
Date(s) Revised:
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.