School Psychologist
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A School Psychologist DO?
School psychologists play a vital role in supporting students, educators, and families by promoting mental health, academic success, and overall well-being. They assess and support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs, provide counseling, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to create a positive learning environment. School psychologists also ensure that students with disabilities receive the appropriate accommodations and services in line with academic and legal requirements.
Successful school psychologists possess strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills. They are empathetic, solution-focused, and dedicated to supporting student development and addressing mental health challenges. These professionals are proactive in identifying and addressing psychological concerns, helping students thrive both academically and personally, and fostering a supportive, inclusive educational environment.
AVERAGE SALARY FOR
School Psychologists
Salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, educational background, and industry sector.
$52.28/hour
School Psychologist Job Descriptions
Below are four types of School Psychologist job descriptions, detailing the range and expectations of the role:
Job Description:
We are seeking a School Psychologist to provide psychological support and counseling services to students in a K-12 educational setting. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, empathy, and a thorough understanding of child development and educational psychology to support students’ emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
Responsibilities:
Conduct psychological assessments to evaluate students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Provide individual and group counseling to students struggling with academic, behavioral, or emotional issues.
Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
Advise educators and parents on strategies for supporting students with emotional, social, or learning challenges.
Monitor students’ progress and adjust intervention strategies as needed.
Participate in multidisciplinary teams to address complex student issues and make recommendations for additional support services.
Qualifications:
Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology or a related field.
Valid school psychologist certification or licensure as required by the state.
Experience in conducting psychological assessments and providing counseling services to students.
Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with school staff, parents, and students.
Job Description:
We are looking for a Clinical School Psychologist to provide mental health services and psychological assessments in a school setting. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and adolescents, conducting evaluations, and developing behavioral intervention plans to support academic success and overall well-being.
Responsibilities:
Conduct psychological evaluations to assess students’ mental health, learning, and emotional needs.
Provide crisis intervention services and support to students in emotional distress.
Develop and implement individualized interventions and behavioral management plans.
Provide professional development and consultation to staff regarding student mental health and learning needs.
Collaborate with other mental health professionals and educators to create a comprehensive support system for students.
Provide training to staff and parents on mental health awareness and coping strategies.
Qualifications:
Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or related field.
State certification or licensure as a School Psychologist.
Strong knowledge of psychological assessment tools, therapeutic techniques, and crisis intervention strategies.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Job Description:
We are seeking a School Psychologist with a focus on special education to assist in the development and implementation of educational plans for students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting diverse learners and ensuring that students with special needs have access to the resources they need to succeed academically.
Responsibilities:
Conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify learning and behavioral challenges in students with disabilities.
Work with special education teams to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Provide counseling and therapeutic interventions to students with disabilities, focusing on emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
Offer professional guidance to teachers and staff on best practices for supporting students with special needs.
Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed.
Support the transition process for students moving from one educational stage to another (e.g., from elementary to middle school).
Qualifications:
Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology, Special Education, or related field.
Experience working with students with disabilities and in the special education field.
Valid school psychologist certification or licensure as required by the state.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Job Description:
We are looking for a School Psychologist to support the mental health and academic needs of students in a diverse school environment. The ideal candidate will be experienced in providing psychological support, conducting assessments, and developing strategies to foster a positive and inclusive school climate.
Responsibilities:
Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations to identify students’ cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Provide individual and group counseling to students dealing with stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, or academic challenges.
Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to create and implement academic and behavioral intervention plans.
Lead programs that promote mental health awareness and positive behavior in the school community.
Offer support during crisis situations and provide referrals to additional mental health resources as needed.
Develop strategies to enhance student resilience and social-emotional learning.
Qualifications:
Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology.
State certification or licensure as a School Psychologist.
Experience in providing counseling and psychological support in educational settings.
Ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and parents to address mental health and academic challenges.
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Candidate Certifications to Look For
Consider the following certifications and qualifications when evaluating candidates:
Offered by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this certification is widely recognized and demonstrates expertise in school psychology. It requires meeting education, internship, and examination standards, as well as ongoing professional development.
Most states in the U.S. require school psychologists to hold state-specific certification or licensure to practice in public schools. Requirements vary by state but generally involve earning a Master’s or Doctoral degree in School Psychology, completing an internship, and passing a state exam.
For school psychologists working with students who have behavioral issues, earning the BCBA credential can enhance their ability to design and implement behavior intervention plans. This certification demonstrates expertise in applied behavior analysis, which is particularly useful for students with autism spectrum disorders and other behavioral challenges.
HOW TO HIRE A School Psychologist
Securing a skilled School Psychologist requires a strategic approach to identifying individuals with strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to support diverse learners. Here are key strategies to help you hire top talent:
Comprehensive Job Descriptions: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role to attract candidates who meet the specific needs of your organization.
School Psychologist Competency Assessments: Evaluate candidates by testing their ability to assess student psychological needs, develop intervention plans, and provide support to students facing academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Assess their proficiency in conducting psychological evaluations, providing counseling services, and collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to create supportive learning environments. Strong communication, analytical, and empathy-driven problem-solving skills should also be measured to ensure effective student support and alignment with educational goals.
Focus on Detail Orientation: During interviews, ask questions designed to gauge candidates’ attention to detail and their approach to minimizing errors in their work.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth: Emphasize any potential for career advancement or skill development within the organization to attract candidates who are looking for long-term opportunities.
Leverage Education-Specific Platforms: Post job listings on platforms that specialize in education, special needs, or classroom support roles to access a broader pool of qualified professionals.
School Psychologist Interview Questions
How do you ensure accuracy and confidentiality when documenting student assessments, psychological evaluations, and other sensitive information?
Describe your experience with psychological testing and student management systems. How do these tools help you streamline the assessment process and provide support efficiently?
What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines when providing individual counseling, conducting assessments, and collaborating with educators and parents?
Can you share an example of identifying and resolving a significant challenge in your role that impacted a student’s academic or emotional well-being?
How do you stay organized when managing student cases, coordinating with teachers, and maintaining accurate records of psychological evaluations and interventions?
Describe a challenging situation you faced while working with a student. What was your role, and how did your actions improve the student’s emotional well-being or academic performance?
How do you ensure compliance with confidentiality and ethical standards when working with student information and collaborating with parents and staff?
What’s the most complex aspect of supporting students with diverse emotional, academic, or behavioral needs, and how do you address it effectively?
How do you approach quality assurance when evaluating psychological assessments, conducting counseling sessions, and supporting the overall school environment?
What steps do you take to stay informed on emerging mental health trends, best practices in school psychology, and new research in student support?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR educational TEAM
School Professionals can assist you in finding the right School Psychologist for your team. Here are three ways to complete your education team:
Utilize School Professionals, a specialized education staffing agency.
Post your job on leading education job boards.
Leverage your professional network in the education sector. School Professionals offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified education professionals.
NEED HELP HIRING A School Psychologist
Discover how School Professionals can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
