School Psychologist Job Description Example

School Psychologist Job Description Example

What Does a School Psychologist Do?

A school psychologist specializes in the application of psychology principles to foster learning and development in school children and students.

They are usually part of an academic staff and their job description entails overseeing the social, emotional, and educational growth of youngsters.

School psychologists with their knowledge of developmental psychology helps mitigate social problems school children and students face; problems such as bullying, social isolation, behavioral issues, and poor class performance.

They employ teaching and psychological methods in educating students to improve their school performance.

Their role also includes planning and organizing programs aimed at boosting the social and academic development of students.

As part of their duties, they provide counselling and therapy for young people in high school, helping them overcome various mental, social, and academic challenges.

They liaise with teachers and parents to address the behavior and school performance of a child in order to facilitate prompt correction and adjustment.

They also provide teachers with training as regards management of certain learning/mental health issues such as ADHD, autism, and social communication disorder.

School psychologists engage in the personal assessment of students to determine their level of intellectual and physical ability; this is vital in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of students, as well as in obtaining data useful for developing appropriate psychological intervention.

They design and implement strategies that foster positive behavior; strategies such as anti-bullying policies, and diversity awareness program.

The issues they handle include anger, depression, low self-esteem, and racism.

As part of their work description, school psychologists counsel parents of school children on the importance and proper means of communication, as well as provide them with essential parenting tips.

They carry out research on new psychological methods to improve learning and social development.

They also listen and interact with students to assist them in processing their problem or evaluating their plans.

School psychologists employ psychological techniques such as reward principles in encouraging or dissuading certain behaviors.

They assist physically challenged students to overcome social and physical inabilities by counselling them and organizing skill-building programs.

They typically require a doctorate degree in school psychology although a Master’s degree can suffice.

They are required to obtain a license for practice by passing the National School Psychology Examination.

Their skillset includes keen observational skills, patience, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills.

School Psychologist Job Description Example

If you are looking to work as a school psychologist, the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities usually make the job description of the position that you should expect to execute:

• Oversee the social, emotional and academic development of school students
• Address social problems students face in school, such as bullying and poor academic performance
• Organize programs that foster academic and social development
• Carry out student assessment to identify strength and weakness and then implement appropriate psychological intervention
• Listen and interact with school children to assist them with their problems, as well as counsel them
• Educate and counsel parents of school students on ways to relate better with children to help them develop academically and socially
• Provide teachers with training on the management of child learning disorders such as autism and ADHD
• Encourage and reward good behavior, as well as reprimand wrong conduct
• Assist physically and mental disadvantaged students in overcoming learning difficulties
• Work with parents and teachers in addressing students’ emotional, academic, and behavioral issues
• Design and implement strategies that foster social and educational development
• Conduct research on new approach and techniques to increase learning and development
• Manage issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem among students.

School Psychologist Resume Preparation

In creating a school psychologist resume you can use the functions of the position highlighted in the above job description sample to make the work experience part of it.

The aforementioned are responsibilities employers expect of school psychologist applicants, therefore highlighting them in your resume if you have worked in that position, makes your resume more appealing to recruiters.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for School Psychologist

The following are important requirements you will need to meet if you are vying for the post of a school psychologist:

• Education and Training: To become a school psychologist, you are required to obtain an undergraduate degree in psychology or in a related discipline, after which you go on to obtain a Master’s and doctorate degree in school psychology. Trainee school psychologists go for a year’s internship and are required to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology in order to obtain a license to practice. They may also be required to obtain various other certifications depending on the State
• Observational Skill: School psychologists usually have an eye for details and can easily identify an emotional or behavioral inconsistence
• Problem-solving Skill: Among their key qualities, school psychologists are able to proffer solutions to various psychological and academic problems
• Patience: Addressing a psychological issue is a gradual process and can be even more delicate with young people, thus school psychologists exercise lots of patience and tolerance.

Skills for School Psychologist Resume

If you’re looking to create a school psychologist resume, the above mentioned skills and qualities are relevant and can be applied in making the skills section of the resume, which shows employers how competent you are on the job.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of starting a school psychologist career, knowing the job description and what is required to get into the profession, as well as the skills to succeed in it, is important.

Also, having a detailed knowledge of a school psychologist’s roles and responsibilities will help employers to create a job description that enables them to recruit the best person for the job.

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