Resource Industry: Schools

When most people think of occupational therapy, they picture recovery from injury or rehabilitation in a hospital or clinic setting. But occupational therapists (OTs) also play a vital role in schools across the country, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

But what exactly do occupational therapists do in a school setting? In this Soliant guide, learn about their impact on student success and why their role is so important in education.

What Does an Occupational Therapist Do in Schools?

School-based occupational therapists work with students who struggle with the foundational skills needed for learning and participation in school activities. Whether a student needs long-term support or short-term skill-building, OTs support a wide range of students, including those with:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• ADHD or other attention challenges
• Developmental delays
• Sensory processing disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Physical impairments
• Emotional or behavioral challenges

Some of the most common areas that school OTs address include:

• Fine Motor Skills: Help improve students’ ability to write, cut with scissors, use classroom tools, and perform other tasks requiring hand-eye coordination.
• Gross Motor Skills: Support movement-related activities like walking in line, navigating stairs, or participating in physical education classes.
• Sensory Processing: Help students who are overstimulated or under-stimulated regulate their attention, behavior, and engagement in class.
• Daily Living Skills: Teach students how to independently manage essential tasks like tying their shoes or zipping up a jacket.
• Executive Functioning: Help students better stay on task, stay organized, and follow instructions.

How Occupational Therapists Work in Schools

School-based OTs are part of a multidisciplinary team that may include teachers, special education staff, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and other school professionals. Their work typically falls into three main categories:

1. Direct Services: Work one-on-one or in small groups with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. These sessions focus on specific goals tailored to the student’s unique needs.
2. Consultation and Collaboration: Collaborate with teachers and support staff to recommend strategies, tools, or classroom accommodations, such as pencil grips or visual schedules.
3. Environmental Adaptations: Assess environments, like a classroom setup, and recommend changes to support student accessibility and comfort, such as adjusting desk heights or creating calming spaces.

Make a Difference as a School-Based OT

Occupational therapy in schools is about helping students participate fully in their education, and school OTs create those inclusive learning environments where every student has the chance to thrive.

If you’re an occupational therapist with a passion for working with children and are looking for a rewarding opportunity in education, we can help you take the next step in your career.

Soliant connects talented OTs with school-based roles across the country, including flexible travel assignments for OTs and teletherapy occupational therapy roles.  Ready to make a difference? Explore school occupational therapist opportunities with Soliant today!

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned school counselor looking for a new opportunity, crafting a strong, clear, and personalized school counselor resume can help you stand out in a competitive field. In this Soliant guide, hiring experts reveal what to include in your school counselor resume and how to make it shine, including a sample school counselor resume to help you get started!

What to Include in Your School Counselor Resume

Before you start working on your school counselor resume, it’s important to know which sections to cover and how to highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate. Here’s a breakdown of what to include:

1. Contact Information: Start with the basics, including your full name, phone number, email address, location (City, State), and a LinkedIn profile or professional portfolio (optional).
2. Professional Summary: This is your elevator pitch! Sum up your experience, strengths, traits, and anything else you think makes you a great fit for the role in 2–3 sentences.
3. Licensure and Certifications: Clearly list your state licensure, any relevant credentials, and the date they were issued.
4. Education: Include your degrees, institutions, and graduation years (if recent).
5. Professional Experience: List your most recent roles first, including the job title, school/organization name, dates of employment, and 3–5 bullet points with specific responsibilities and accomplishments.
6. Skills: Highlight both soft and hard skills relevant to school counseling, ideally in a bullet point or list format.

Tips for a Standout School Counselor Resume

Want your resume to rise to the top of the pile? Here are a few extra tips to help you make a strong first impression:

• Tailor it to the Job: Use keywords from the job description and highlight experience that aligns with the specific role or school setting.
• Use Action Verbs: When highlighting your responsibilities in previous roles, start bullet points with strong action verbs, like “achieved,” “enhanced,” “resolved,” “pioneered,” and “collaborated.”
• Focus on Outcomes: Use numbers to quantify your responsibilities or results (e.g., “Reduced behavioral referrals by 20% through SEL programming”).
• Keep it Clean and Easy to Read: Stick to a simple format with clear section headers, bullet points, and consistent spacing.
• Highlight hard and soft skills: While it’s important to note technology or programs you’re familiar with, don’t forget to showcase soft skills, like your ability to connect with students, collaborate with staff, and manage caseloads.
• Proofread, then proofread again: Double-check your resume for grammar and spelling errors and consider asking a friend or mentor to give it a review.

Sample School Counselor Resume

Below is a simple, easy-to-customize school counselor resume template to help you get started:

Ready to Send Your School Counselor Resume?

Once you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, Soliant is ready to help you find a role that matches your skills, goals, and passion for supporting students. Explore Soliant’s school counselor opportunities today, and get ready to land a job where you can make a real difference!

Educational Audiologist: Salary, Job Description, & Requirements

The role of an educational audiologist, also referred to as a school audiologist, is crucial in the development of students with hearing impairments. By providing specialized services and support, they help ensure that students with hearing loss can access and succeed in their education just as effectively as their peers.

In this career guide, you’ll learn about the educational audiologist job description, responsibilities, salary, requirements, and how this role differs from other roles, such as the teacher of the deaf.

What is an Educational Audiologist?

An educational audiologist specializes in providing audiological support within educational settings. They focus on identifying, diagnosing, and managing hearing impairments in children to help them access their education effectively.

Educational audiologists may work in schools, school districts, or clinics that serve educational institutions. They are trained to assess hearing, recommend hearing aids, and provide solutions that support classroom participation and social integration for students with hearing loss.

What Does an Educational Audiologist Do?

An educational audiologist is responsible for much more than hearing tests. Each day looks different for an educational audiologist, but their work generally involves a combination of diagnostic, clinical, and support-based activities in schools that directly benefit students with hearing impairments. They also work closely with educators, parents, and other professionals to create an environment where students can excel.

Educational Audiologist Job Description: Key Responsibilities

The role of an educational audiologist typically involves the following responsibilities:

• Conducting hearing assessments for students of all ages
• Identifying hearing impairments and providing diagnostic evaluations
• Recommending and fitting hearing aids or other assistive listening devices
• Monitoring the effectiveness of hearing devices and adjusting as needed
• Providing strategies for teachers to support students with hearing loss in the classroom
• Educating school staff and parents about hearing loss and its impact on learning
• Collaborating with teams to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with hearing impairments

Difference Between Educational Audiologist and Teacher of the Deaf

While both educational audiologists and teachers of the deaf work with students who have hearing impairments, their roles are distinct.

• Educational Audiologist: Focuses primarily on diagnosing and managing hearing loss. They assess hearing, fit and maintain hearing devices, and provide audiological support to ensure students can participate in the classroom. Audiologists collaborate with teachers and parents to create strategies for students’ success.
• Teacher of the Deaf: Specializes in providing direct educational instruction to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing work to teach students language skills, communication methods (such as sign language), and other academic subjects.

In short, educational audiologists provide technical and audiological support, while teachers of the deaf focus more on educational instruction and communication.

Explore School Audiologist Opportunities

If you are passionate about helping students with hearing impairments and making a difference in their educational experience, a career as an educational audiologist might be the right path for you. Start by exploring Soliant’s range of audiology positions that match your career aspirations today!

Looking for more information on audiology careers in education? Browse Soliant’s additional career resources to learn more about the rewarding role.

Becoming a School Counselor: Step-By-Step Career Guide

Are you passionate about helping students flourish, working in education, and supporting children in overcoming their academic, social, and emotional obstacles? A career as a school counselor could be the perfect fit for you.

School counselors play an essential role in supporting students’ well-being, helping them develop strategies to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom. However, becoming a school counselor requires a unique combination of character traits, education, training, and practical experience.

In this Soliant career guide, learn the steps to become a school counselor, including the educational requirements, salary expectations, and more!

What Do School Counselors Do?

School counselors support students in a variety of ways, focusing on academic, personal, and social development. They work with students to help them overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and plan for their future. The role of a school counselor often includes the following responsibilities:

• Academic Guidance: Assisting students with course selection, study habits, and academic goals.
• Emotional Support: Helping students cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
• Career Planning: Guiding students in identifying career interests, exploring college options, and preparing for the workforce.
• Conflict Resolution: Mediating disputes between students, offering conflict resolution strategies, and fostering a positive school environment.
• Crisis Management: Responding to students in crisis situations, including bullying, mental health concerns, or family issues.

How to Become a School Counselor

Becoming a school counselor is a rewarding and impactful career choice, but it requires dedication. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the path to becoming a school counselor:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step to becoming a school counselor is to obtain a bachelor’s degree. While there isn’t a specific undergraduate major required, a degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field can provide a strong foundation.

Step 2: Complete a Master’s Degree in School Counseling

A master’s degree in school counseling is typically required to work as a school counselor. These programs provide specialized knowledge in counseling techniques, child development, and education systems. During your master’s program, you will also complete supervised internships to gain practical experience.

What degree do you need to be a school counselor?

To become a school counselor, you will need a Master’s Degree in School Counseling or a related field such as counseling or psychology. A master’s degree program in school counseling typically includes coursework in areas like developmental psychology, counseling techniques, career counseling, and ethics, as well as supervised clinical experience in schools. Some programs also offer specialized tracks in areas such as elementary school counseling or high school counseling.

Step 3: Obtain Licensure or Certification

Most states require school counselors to be licensed or certified. Requirements vary by state but generally include passing an exam and completing a certain number of supervised hours. Check with your state’s education department to understand the specific licensure requirements for school counselors in your area.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

While working toward your degree, you will complete internships that provide hands-on experience working with students. This experience is critical in helping you develop the skills needed to be an effective school counselor.

Step 5: Apply for School Counselor Positions

Once you have completed your education and obtained licensure, you can begin applying for school counselor positions!

How much does a school counselor make?

The salary of a school counselor varies, but on average, school counselors earn a competitive salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for school and career counselors and advisors was around $65,000 in 2024.

Salaries can range from approximately $50,000 to $75,000, depending on factors such as the level of education, years of experience, school level, whether the school is a private or public school, the specific school district, or the cost of living and demand for school counselors in the region.

Explore School Counselor Opportunities

Ready to take the next step in your school counseling career? Explore Soliant’s current school counselor job listings today to find the perfect position for your skills and aspirations.

Looking for more information about school counseling? Check out Soliant’s additional resources on counseling careers, including helpful guides, resume and interview tips, and more. Start your journey today!

What Do Behavior Specialists Do? Roles, Responsibilities, & More

Behavioral specialists play a crucial role in supporting individuals who struggle with behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges. Learn more about what a school behavioral specialist does, the different job titles in behavioral health, and how this role differs from other positions in education below!

What is a Behavior Specialist?

A behavioral specialist is a professional who works with individuals to assess and manage behaviors. They develop strategies and interventions to help improve social, emotional, and functional skills, typically in educational or therapeutic settings.

What is a Behavioral Specialist in Schools?

In educational settings, school behavioral specialists help students manage behaviors that may hinder their learning, social interactions, or overall well-being. Whether working with children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or other behavioral disorders, behavioral specialists design personalized interventions to help students succeed.

“Behavior specialist” can refer to a few different roles, including BCBAs, ABA therapists, and RBTs, but these job titles differ in expertise, qualifications, and responsibilities.

What is a BCBA?

A board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is a professional certified in the field of behavior analysis. They are trained to assess behavior, develop intervention plans, and implement strategies to improve behaviors, particularly for individuals with autism or other developmental disorders. BCBAs are required to have a master’s degree in behavior analysis or a related field, complete supervised experience, and pass a certification exam.

What is an RBT?

A registered behavioral technician (RBT) is a technician who implements behavior intervention plans under the supervision of a BCBA. They are certified through a training program and have a more hands-on role in working directly with individuals, but don’t have the same level of expertise or responsibility as a BCBA.

What is an ABA Therapist?

An applied behavior analyst (ABA) or applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist is a professional who uses behavior analysis principles to design and implement interventions that address various behaviors, often in schools.

What Does a Behavioral Specialist Do?

A behavioral specialist is responsible for assessing, developing, and implementing strategies to manage and improve challenging behaviors. They work closely with individuals, teachers, and parents to ensure that interventions are effective and sustainable. Below are some of the key duties of a board-certified behavioral specialist:

• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA): Assess a student’s behavior by observing and gathering data on their actions, triggers, and emotional responses.
• Develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP): Based on their assessments, behavioral specialists create individualized plans that outline specific interventions, strategies, and goals to address the student’s needs. These plans might involve teaching new behaviors, reinforcing positive behaviors, or minimizing undesirable actions.
• Implement Interventions: Behavioral specialists implement the plans and monitor their effectiveness over time. They may work one-on-one with students or provide guidance to teachers, parents, and other staff on how to reinforce the strategies.
• Monitor Progress: Continuous monitoring is crucial to determine whether the intervention strategies are effective. Behavioral specialists track progress and adjust plans as needed.

Difference Between a Behavioral Specialist and Other Roles

While the role of a behavioral specialist overlaps with some other positions in the mental health and education fields, there are distinct differences in their responsibilities:

Behavioral Specialist vs. Psychologist: While school psychologists focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and providing therapeutic interventions, behavioral specialists specialize in modifying behaviors through structured interventions and assessments. Psychologists may also address emotional issues, but behavioral specialists tend to focus more on behavioral changes.

Behavioral Specialist vs. School Counselor: Behavioral specialists focus on specific behavior management, while school counselors provide a broader range of support, addressing academic, emotional, social, and career development. While counselors may assist with behavioral issues, their role is focused on overall student development.

Behavioral Specialist vs. Social Worker: Social workers provide a broad range of support services to individuals and families, including counseling and connecting people to community resources. However, a behavioral specialist works primarily in educational or therapeutic settings, focusing specifically on behavior management and interventions.

Rewarding Opportunities for Behavior Specialists

A career as a behavioral specialist offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives by helping them overcome challenges and develop the skills they need to thrive. If you have a passion for making a difference in the educational setting, we invite you to explore Soliant’s current behavioral specialist job listings today, including opportunities for BCBAs, RBTs, and ABA therapists!

Looking for more information about behavioral specialists? Browse Soliant’s additional resources on the behavioral health field. Start your journey toward a fulfilling career as a behavioral specialist today!