How To Become A Resource Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a resource specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Martha Martinez- Firestone Ph.D.

Children with special needs and learning disabilities have the right to get an education like every other child. They receive specialized instruction depending on the educational requirements designed for them. Resource specialists attend classes that are organized for these gifted students. They ensure that special needs students gain confidence and the education to prosper in their lives.

Resource specialists serve as advocates and teachers to make sure their students get the most out of their education and access to the curriculum. They work closely with family members and medical experts to provide the best education possible. Resource specialists report directly to school administrators, like principals and vice-principals.

The role is rewarding but challenging. It's most suitable for passionate educators that love working with children who have special needs. In private and public schools, child care facilities, or government agencies, you can receive a salary of $25.03 per hour. Most resource specialists hold a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.

What general advice would you give to a resource specialist?

Dr. Martha Martinez- Firestone Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Program, DePaul University

You will hear lots of doomsday scenarios about how you will never recover and how your professional life is ruined. Take it as a challenge. While the effect of recessions is real, that only gives you an idea of the average experience. In all cohorts there are people who do better and people who do worst. Work to be part of the former. All crises bring opportunities; make sure to identify them and see if those jobs and industries are a possibility for you. And remember that life is more than your job.

ScoreResource SpecialistUS Average

Salary

4.3

Avg. Salary $55,558

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.0

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 8.31%

Black or African American 2.56%

Hispanic or Latino 15.06%

Unknown 7.50%

White 66.05%

Gender

female 72.60%

male 27.40%

Age - 43.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43.5

Stress level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.8

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a resource specialist

Explore resource specialist education requirements

Most common resource specialist degrees

Bachelor's

62.0 %

Master's

15.4 %

Associate

14.7 %

Start to develop specific resource specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Patients	15.75%
Customer Service	13.45%
Social Work	9.71%
Community Resources	5.97%
Professional Development	4.62%

Research resource specialist duties and responsibilities

Facilitate development of veterans individual rehabilitation plans, which provide purpose, organization and empowerment to achieve life goals.
Provide ADL's for all the clients.
Operate, troubleshoot, and provide basic maintenance for printers, copy and fax machines, phone system and PC's.
Initiate new district-wide adoption of computerize IEP development.

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