School Psychologist
SOC 19-3034.00 · ESCO 2634 · OSCA 261231
Role snapshot
Overview
Assesses students' learning and behavioural needs, provides counselling, designs intervention plans, and collaborates with teachers and parents to support children's academic and emotional development. School psychologists work within educational settings to enhance student well-being and academic success by applying expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior.
Significantly improves student mental health, academic performance, and social-emotional development, creating more inclusive and supportive school environments.
On the job
- Conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify learning disabilities, emotional disorders, and developmental delays.
- Provide individual and group counseling to students facing academic, social, or emotional challenges.
- Develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) in collaboration with school staff and families.
- Consult with teachers, parents, and administrators on effective strategies to support student learning and behavior.
- Participate in crisis intervention and prevention efforts within the school community.
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
A master's or doctoral degree in school psychology, educational psychology, or a related field is typically required, often including an internship or supervised practice.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
School Psychologist
Mental Health
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SIC
Individuals who enjoy helping others, investigating complex psychological issues, and working within structured environments to provide support and solutions to children and families.
Personality characteristics
Empathetic
Deeply understands and shares the feelings of students, parents, and colleagues, fostering trust and rapport.
Investigative
Enjoys analyzing complex data, conducting assessments, and researching evidence-based practices to solve problems.
Conscientious
Organized, thorough, and diligent in assessment, documentation, and adhering to ethical guidelines and regulations.
Collaborative
Works effectively with teachers, parents, and other specialists to create comprehensive support plans for students.
Calm under pressure
Maintains composure and provides effective support during student crises or challenging situations.
Communicative
Clearly conveys complex psychological information to diverse audiences, including students, parents, and school staff.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about child development and mental health within an educational context.
- Those who thrive on a mix of direct student interaction, diagnostic work, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Professionals who seek a career with a clear social impact and opportunities for continuous learning.
Watch out for
- Can involve emotionally challenging situations, including student crises and difficult conversations with parents.
- Requires navigating complex school systems, policies, and a diverse range of stakeholder expectations.
- Documentation and administrative tasks can be extensive, requiring strong organizational skills.
A week in the life
A representative working week for a School Psychologist — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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