School Counselor – Section 504 Support Specialist - Georgia Connections Academy

School Summary

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary

Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, or from your home in Georgia, the School Counselor – Section 504 Support Specialist will provide comprehensive counseling and student support services across GACA's K-12 program while serving in a specialized capacity supporting the district's Section 504 program.

This position combines traditional school counseling responsibilities with specialized duties related to the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of Section 504 plans. Working collaboratively with the District 504 Coordinator, school counselors, teachers, administrators, students, and families, this individual will help ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to educational opportunities and that appropriate accommodations are effectively implemented.

The School Counselor – Section 504 Support Specialist will also assist with Section 504 meeting coordination, documentation, staff training, compliance monitoring, and districtwide data collection. The successful candidate will be an organized, student-centered professional who can balance direct student and family support with the operational and compliance responsibilities associated with Section 504 services.

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to:

• School and department meetings
• Student engagement opportunities
• Required training and professional development
• School-level events, such as state testing and graduation

The School Counselor – Section 504 Support Specialist will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Provide comprehensive school counseling services that support students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and overall success.
• Assist students and families with successful transitions into the virtual school environment and provide ongoing support throughout their enrollment.
• Build positive relationships with students and families through email, phone calls, virtual meetings, and in-person interactions when necessary.
• Monitor student academic progress, engagement, and attendance, proactively identifying students who may benefit from additional support or intervention.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify student needs and connect families with appropriate school and community resources.
• Work with students and families across grade levels to address academic, social-emotional, and other nonacademic concerns.
• Work collaboratively with the District 504 Coordinator and school-based teams to coordinate and support the implementation of Section 504 services across the K-12 program.
• Schedule and facilitate initial, annual review, reevaluation, and other required Section 504 meetings for assigned students, ensuring all required stakeholders are included.
• Assist with the development, review, and maintenance of accurate Section 504 plans and supporting documentation.
• Monitor Section 504 implementation and collaborate with teachers and administrators to address concerns or barriers related to student accommodations.
• Maintain and monitor Section 504 records, renewals, Issue Aware Tickets, and other required documentation within designated systems, including GO 504 and the school's learning management system.
• Ensure meeting documentation, signed plans, and supporting records are completed and uploaded within established timelines.
• Assist with developing and implementing professional development for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other staff regarding Section 504 requirements, student eligibility, and the implementation of instructional accommodations.
• Assist with districtwide Section 504 audits, data collection, reporting, and monitoring to support compliance with applicable federal, state, and district requirements.
• Collaborate with the testing team to ensure appropriate state and local assessment accommodations are identified, communicated, and submitted within established deadlines.
• Assist with collecting and interpreting student data to monitor progress, identify trends, and support targeted interventions for students receiving Section 504 services.
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans and serve as a member of multidisciplinary student support teams.
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as required by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards.
• Participate in schoolwide counseling initiatives, student engagement opportunities, and other departmental and school activities.
• And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Counselor Education/School Counseling from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years of school counseling experience preferred.
• Experience with Section 504 coordination, case management, or implementation preferred.
• Knowledge of Section 504 laws, regulations, and applicable school policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of instructional and state assessment accommodations and their appropriate implementation.
• Experience working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
• Ability to interpret student data and use information to inform interventions and support strategies.
• Experience with computer-based documentation and case management systems preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with compliance documentation and timelines.

Certification/License

• Georgia Service Certificate in School Counseling.
• Georgia Clearance Certificate.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Georgia School Counseling certification.
• Must have a Clearance Certificate through the Georgia Department of Education or be able to obtain one within the first 30 days of the first day of hire.
• Strong technology skills, particularly with Microsoft Office products, Google Workspace, and electronic documentation systems.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and punctual.
• Strong student and family-focused approach.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and manage sensitive student and family concerns.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of flexibility, initiative, and problem-solving ability.
• Willingness to travel for school events, state testing, and other official school business throughout Georgia, which may require occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work occasional evening hours as needed to support students and families.
• Must be able to attend required in-person meetings at the Duluth office, generally 2–4 times per month, as well as other required school and district activities.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and email address for two-step authentication.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent travel throughout the state of Georgia to conduct official school business. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a clean driving record, and be comfortable with regular day trips and occasional overnight travel as needed. A reliable personal vehicle is required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. Employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. Employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.