School Psychologists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-3034
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Assess an individual child's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of school records, and consultation with parents and school personnel.
• Develop individualized educational plans in collaboration with teachers and other staff members.
• Counsel children and families to help solve conflicts and problems in learning and adjustment.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs and other services, such as behavioral management systems.
• Provide consultation to parents, teachers, administrators, and others on topics such as learning styles and behavior modification techniques.
• Collaborate with other educational professionals to develop teaching strategies and school programs.
• Design classes and programs to meet the needs of special students.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Zoom, Centris Group IEP Direct, Centris Group RTIm Direct, Chalkware Education Solutions IEPPro, Computer scanners, Desktop computers, Email software, Ewing Solutions QuickWriter

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Special Education Teachers, Secondary School
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Neuropsychologists
• Mental Health Counselors

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: School Psychologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.