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LOA-School Psychologist - JO-2505-36035 - Job Opportunity at PediaStaff

Aurora, United States
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: May 29, 2025
On-site
USD 53-58 per hour

Benefits

Comprehensive 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions providing long-term financial security and tax advantages
Nationally recognized medical insurance coverage offering extensive healthcare protection and provider network access
Professional development allowances for continuing education supporting career advancement and skill enhancement
Licensure reimbursement reducing professional certification costs and compliance burden
Malpractice insurance coverage providing liability protection and professional security
Relocation assistance facilitating geographic mobility and reducing transition costs
Optional summer pay program ensuring income continuity during school breaks
Dedicated Clinical Resource Specialist support providing ongoing professional guidance and assignment success assistance

Key Responsibilities

Deliver comprehensive psychological services across two elementary school campuses maximizing educational impact and student outcomes
Manage specialized preschool-aged caseload requiring advanced developmental psychology expertise and early intervention strategies
Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations that directly influence student placement decisions and educational programming
Collaborate with multidisciplinary educational teams to develop individualized education plans and behavioral interventions
Provide crisis intervention and mental health support services ensuring student safety and educational continuity
Maintain detailed documentation and compliance records meeting federal and state educational psychology standards
Facilitate parent consultations and staff training sessions expanding psychological services impact beyond direct student contact

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in Psychology

Required Skills

School psychology assessment and intervention techniques Preschool developmental psychology expertise Educational psychology principles and applications Crisis intervention and mental health support capabilities Multidisciplinary team collaboration and consultation skills

Certifications

PEL (Professional Educator's License) with school psychology endorsement or eligibility for same
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The educational psychology field is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by increased recognition of mental health needs in schools, with the National Association of School Psychologists reporting a critical shortage of qualified professionals nationwide. This shortage has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on student mental health, creating urgent staffing needs across all educational levels. Early childhood psychological services are becoming increasingly prioritized as research demonstrates the critical importance of early intervention in developmental and behavioral challenges. School districts are expanding preschool programs and requiring specialized psychological support, creating a niche market for professionals with early childhood expertise. Contract and temporary staffing solutions in educational settings are gaining prominence as districts seek flexible workforce management strategies to address budget constraints and fluctuating enrollment patterns. This trend is creating more opportunities for specialized professionals willing to work in temporary or project-based roles.

Salary Evaluation

The hourly rate of $53-58 represents competitive compensation for contract school psychology work in the Chicago metropolitan area, translating to approximately $110,000-$121,000 annually for full-time equivalent work. This rate reflects the premium paid for temporary staffing and specialized preschool expertise, positioning above standard district employee salaries but appropriate for contract work requiring immediate availability and specialized skills.

Role Significance

School psychologists typically work within special education teams of 8-12 professionals including social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education coordinators. As the sole psychologist covering two elementary schools, this role likely involves leading psychological services while collaborating with approximately 15-20 educational staff members across both sites.
This position represents a mid-level professional role requiring independent practice capabilities and specialized expertise in early childhood psychology. The ability to work across multiple school sites and manage a complete caseload indicates significant professional autonomy and responsibility, positioning the role as a key contributor to district psychological services rather than an entry-level position.

Key Projects

Comprehensive psychological evaluations for special education eligibility determinations, requiring detailed assessment batteries and report writing that directly impact student educational trajectories Development and implementation of school-wide positive behavioral intervention and support programs addressing systemic behavioral challenges and promoting positive school climate Crisis response and threat assessment protocols ensuring student and staff safety while maintaining educational continuity during mental health emergencies Early childhood developmental screening initiatives identifying at-risk students and facilitating early intervention services that can prevent more serious academic and behavioral challenges

Success Factors

Expertise in early childhood developmental psychology and assessment techniques specifically designed for preschool-aged children, as this population requires specialized approaches and age-appropriate evaluation methods that differ significantly from traditional school-age assessments Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively serve two school sites while maintaining comprehensive caseload documentation and meeting federal compliance requirements for special education services Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including parents, teachers, administrators, and external service providers while serving as the primary psychological expert across multiple educational environments Adaptability and resilience to quickly integrate into existing school cultures and systems while providing immediate high-quality services in a temporary assignment context Cultural competency and bilingual capabilities would be highly advantageous given the diverse demographics of the Aurora, Illinois area and the increasing emphasis on culturally responsive psychological services in educational settings

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for school psychologists nationally, with the profession experiencing one of the most severe shortages in educational services. The combination of retirement waves, increased mental health awareness, and expanded service mandates has created a seller's market for qualified professionals, particularly those willing to work in contract or temporary positions.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Early childhood developmental assessment expertise is absolutely essential as working exclusively with preschool-aged children requires specialized knowledge of developmental milestones, age-appropriate assessment tools, and early intervention strategies that differ significantly from traditional school-age psychological services Professional licensure and credentialing compliance represents a non-negotiable requirement as school psychology practice is heavily regulated, and the PEL with school psychology endorsement ensures legal authority to practice and access to school-based services and records Crisis intervention and mental health support capabilities are increasingly critical as schools serve as primary mental health access points for many children, requiring psychologists to provide immediate, effective responses to behavioral emergencies and mental health crises

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual communication skills, particularly Spanish fluency, would provide significant advantage in the Aurora area's diverse demographic landscape and align with increasing emphasis on culturally responsive psychological services in educational settings Technology proficiency in educational software systems and telehealth platforms is becoming increasingly valuable as schools integrate digital tools for assessment, intervention, and service delivery, especially following pandemic-driven technological adoption Autism spectrum disorder and developmental disability assessment expertise would be highly valuable given the increasing prevalence of autism diagnoses and the specialized assessment and intervention approaches required for this population in educational settings

Unique Aspects

This position offers the distinctive opportunity to work exclusively with preschool-aged children, providing specialized experience in early childhood psychological assessment and intervention that is increasingly valuable in the current educational landscape
The dual-site assignment structure provides exposure to different school cultures and administrative approaches within a single role, offering accelerated learning and networking opportunities that typically require multiple separate positions
The potential for assignment extension beyond the initial LOA period suggests opportunity for longer-term engagement and relationship building, unusual in temporary staffing arrangements
PediaStaff's specialized focus on pediatric and educational settings ensures that support services and professional development opportunities are specifically tailored to school psychology practice rather than generic healthcare staffing

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for school psychologists who demonstrate strong clinical skills and leadership potential, with progression often accelerated by pursuing doctoral education or specialized certifications in areas such as neuropsychology or autism spectrum disorders.

Potential Next Roles

Lead School Psychologist or Coordinator positions overseeing psychological services across multiple schools or districts, involving supervision of other psychologists and program development responsibilities Private practice specializing in educational or developmental psychology, leveraging school-based experience to provide independent psychological services to families and educational institutions District-level Special Education Administrator roles focusing on psychological services coordination, policy development, and compliance oversight across large educational systems University faculty positions in school psychology programs, combining practical experience with research and training responsibilities in higher education settings

Company Overview

PediaStaff

PediaStaff operates as a specialized healthcare staffing agency focusing exclusively on pediatric and educational settings, positioning itself as a niche provider in the competitive healthcare staffing market. The company's targeted approach to pediatric and educational staffing allows for deep expertise in these specialized fields, understanding the unique requirements and challenges of working with children and adolescents in various care and educational environments.

As a specialized staffing firm in the pediatric and educational sectors, PediaStaff occupies a strategic position in a high-demand market segment experiencing chronic workforce shortages. The company's focus on these specific areas allows for competitive advantage through specialized recruitment, credentialing, and support services tailored to the unique needs of pediatric healthcare and educational professionals.
The Aurora, Illinois location represents access to the broader Chicago metropolitan market, one of the largest educational and healthcare markets in the Midwest. This positioning provides access to numerous school districts, healthcare facilities, and potential candidates while offering competitive cost structures compared to urban Chicago locations.
PediaStaff's emphasis on clinical support specialists and comprehensive benefits suggests a culture focused on professional development and employee success rather than simple placement services. The company appears to prioritize long-term relationships with both clients and candidates, evidenced by their continuing education support and summer pay programs designed to retain educational professionals year-round.
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