Versus: School Psychologists vs. School Social Workers

[@melissaglasson9434]

You may want to add a caveat about the stats from the bureau of labor including info for bachelor social workers. There are many positions which can be held by a bachelor level social worker. Whereas someone with a bachelor degree in psychology cannot practice as a psychologist. The difference in median pay is significantly skewed and likely inaccurate when considering only school psychologists and school social workers. Thanks for a helpful video to increase understand for those interested!

[@adamanonipitts8827]

You are correct in reference to School Social Workers. However, in NJ School Social Workers facilitate IEP meetings and are responsible for the documentation of all students who have an IEP and/or 504- Plan (case managers). We are the liaisons for all stakeholders as it pertains to Special Education. In addition to supporting the social and emotional needs of all students In General Education and SpecialEd. We also support teachers with classroom interventions to ensure the skill we are teaching the student(s) in counseling is also being practiced within the class setting.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Thank you for sharing that!

[@jennylopez2804]

Hi same. I work in a special education school in NY. Our responsibilities are similar except the SW does not do testing/screenings. We all do BIPs and every other responsibility when it comes to counseling.

[@cheylar3956]

Hello, I just graduated with my BA in Psych and I’m going to be applying for a program similar to yours (MA & EdS) in the fall. I also live in California. I was hoping you could perhaps share how many schools you applied to in CA. I am near a NASP accredited school as it’s in my homework (Sacramento) but their acceptance rate is 20% and i’m wanting to apply to other schools to not put all the eggs in one basket. I know you discussed distance in past videos but if you could please share your application process and if you applied to any private schools etc. Thank you!

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Cheyla! I actually only applied to one school (the one I am currently attending) but I think it would be a great idea for you to apply to more than one, especially if the one near you only has an acceptance rate of 20%.

[@toocutee4ya]

Thank you for this!! Why do school psychologists get paid more? Also do you feel that school social workers burn out more easily?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi Brittany! I just think social workers are simply underpaid and have been for many years; I am not too sure why but it is unfortunate since they also do a lot of hard work. As far as burn out, I think both professionals are at risk of early burn out, in various ways. Self-care is vital as a school psych or social worker. I think both professions require you to be passionate about what you do, if not burn out will probably come around a lot quicker too.

[@melissaglasson9434]

Those stats from the bureau of labor also include bachelor level social work positions and do not include individuals practicing with a bachelor degree in psychology as they are not considered psychologists at that level. Statistics which included only master level practitioners from each field would be much more comparable.

[@toocutee4ya]

@@MrsSchoolPsych for some reason I just saw this. Thanks for the reply! I actually just got accepted into an M.Ed. counselor education program with an emphasis in school counseling, and I’m super excited. I’m sure I’ll be working closely with school psychologist/social workers as well. I decided to go down the school counseling route so I can work with more of the general population, but your information is always super helpful:)

[@heyjennyhey2231]

Can you have a bachelors in teaching to be a school psychologist or do you need a psychology degree ?

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi, Yes, you can have a bachelors in teaching and become a school psychologist.... as long as you get your masters degree in school psychology. I have two classmates in my cohort who are currently teachers and are pursuing school psychology now.

[@elizabethsauer79]

Soo much missing here from the school psych realm. School psychs go to school for 3 years it’s a masters plus a specialist cert. Check NASPs professional standards school psychs also do all the stuff you said social workers do.

[@Candycane-y3n]

You do not have to get a masters degree you can get an associate degree for both, being overly educated does not guarantee the job

[@kaleag]

You definitely cannot do both with an Associates Degree. You can’t even do both with a Bachelors. Maybe you can do social work with a Bachelors (but I’m pretty sure it’s a Masters in most states) but you need an Eds or Phd to be a school psychologist

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi, I live in California so I am not too sure how it works in other states, but I know that here in California you cannot be a school psychologist or social worker just with an associates degree; both require at least a masters degree.

[@riannarocksmar]

Hey 🙂 Are you currently working in the field or still in school? I’m curious if you’ve heard any of the negative comments about being a school psychologist and if you’ve experienced any of it since starting.

[@MrsSchoolPsych]

Hi! I am currently a student, I will start my practicum hours in the fall. There are some cons to the job, but everyone is different so that can vary by person.

[@Candycane-y3n]

You do not have to get a masters degree you can get an associate degree for both, being overly educated does not guarantee the job