Occupation Details
School Psychologists
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.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$67,370.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$101,990.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$118,110.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
20,640
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
23,440
+280 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,850
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Psychologist
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Computer scanners
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Overhead projectors
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistants PDA
Technology
- Chalkware Education Solutions IEPPro
- Email software
- Ewing Solutions QuickWriter
- Global Education Technologies EXCENT
- Google Meet
- Instructional software
- MediaNet Solutions e-IEP PRO
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- PowerSchool Group PowerSchool SIS
- Presentation software
- Spectrum K12 School Solutions Encore
- Spreadsheet software
- Technical Perspectives CLASS IEP Program
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- evaluate student performance
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct implementation of new procedures, policies, or programs
- mentor co-workers in school or educational setting
- record student progress
- prepare reports
- maintain educational records, reports, or files
- prepare educational reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve educational data
- develop or maintain databases
- assess educational potential or need of students
- convert information into instructional program
- coordinate educational content
- develop instructional materials
- organize educational material or ideas
- select teaching materials to meet student needs
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- design classroom presentations
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop psychological tests, rating scales, or related material
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- advise clients or customers
- provide expert testimony on research results
- refer clients to community services or resources
- recommend modifications to educational programs
- recommend further study or action based on research data
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- work with persons with mental disabilities or illnesses
- follow confidentiality procedures
- use counseling techniques
- use current social research
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use motivational techniques in education
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use special education techniques
- use teaching techniques
- maintain awareness of social trends
- use public speaking techniques
- use behavior modification techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use knowledge of multi-media technology
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- compile information through interviews
- analyze psychological testing data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- perform statistical modeling
- use psychological assessment tools
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- evaluate educational outcomes
- analyze social or economic data
- forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
- analyze data on curricula or instructional methods
- plan surveys of specified group or area
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret charts or tables for social or economic research
- interpret psychological test results
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- interpret ability or achievement test results
- resolve problems in educational settings
- decide which psychological tests to administer to clients
- recognize interrelationships among individuals or social groups
- recognize interrelationships among social statistics or indicators
- recognize student learning levels
- work as a team member
- confer with research personnel
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- collect social or personal information
- obtain information from individuals
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Promote an understanding of child development and its relationship to learning and behavior.
- Design classes and programs to meet the needs of special students.
- Attend workshops, seminars, or professional meetings to remain informed of new developments in school psychology.
- Refer students and their families to appropriate community agencies for medical, vocational, or social services.
- Serve as a resource to help families and schools deal with crises, such as separation and loss.
- Initiate and direct efforts to foster tolerance, understanding, and appreciation of diversity in school communities.
- Provide educational programs on topics such as classroom management, teaching strategies, or parenting skills.
- Conduct research to generate new knowledge that can be used to address learning and behavior issues.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Psychologists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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