It changes every single day. A big part of my job is the assessment of students. Students who have special needs have to have a full psychological evaluation before they are eligible for special education classes. I administer those tests and determine whether they need to be tested again. I also do a lot of consultations with teachers and parents to ensure that we are meeting all the needs of the students.
CAREER
School Psychologists
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$84,940
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+3.1% (slower than the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What School Psychologists Do
Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.
Other Job Titles School Psychologists May Have
Autism Consultant, Bilingual School Psychologist, Challenging Behavior Consultant, Consulting Psychologist, Early Intervention School Psychologist, Educational Diagnostician, Learning Consultant, Psychologist, School Psychologist, School Psychometrist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
School Based Mental Health Provider (LCSW) ,
Intervention Services, a program of Jervey & Associates Psychotherapy
I spend the majority of my day working with kids, either individually or in small groups, providing counseling. I also spend time consulting with and supporting staff and collaborating with parents. I connect families with resources when feasible and sometimes work with our contracted Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in caring for kids. I'm lucky because my job has relatively little paperwork, but there are still basic ethical and legal requirements of documentation that are necessary.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Compile and interpret students' test results, along with information from teachers and parents, to diagnose conditions and to help assess eligibility for special services.
- Maintain student records, including special education reports, confidential records, records of services provided, and behavioral data.
- Report any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse.
- Select, administer, and score psychological tests.
- Interpret test results and prepare psychological reports for teachers, administrators, and parents.
Education
Level of Education Attained by School Psychologists
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Post-master's certificate (53%)
Post-master's certificate
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
BA
Graduate
S.EdEducational Psycholog
Doctorate
Education, GeneralPH.D
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Multi-/Interdiscip...
Graduate
Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Empathy is really important. You also have to be a good people person and be abe to evaluate people.
School Based Mental Health Provider (LCSW) ,
Intervention Services, a program of Jervey & Associates Psychotherapy
*Far and away (external): having a good clinical supervisor
*Far and away (internal): empathy and compassion
*Continuing education training (staying current on new ideas and research)
*Ongoing self reflection and focus on self care
*Spanish proficiency helps a lot
*Personal qualities: flexibility, tenacity, passion, playfulness, critical thinking and problem solving.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Good mentors and supportive people around you are essential.
School Based Mental Health Provider (LCSW) ,
Intervention Services, a program of Jervey & Associates Psychotherapy
You really need a masters degree of some kind to provide mental health care. Look at different programs and talk to lots of people about the pros and cons of different options (Masters in Counseling, Masters of Social Work, etc.)
Get internships in the field you are interested in.
Going straight through and doing school all at one time - the shorter way with a Bachelor's degree and getting your credential.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
