Page 184 - JobsPlus - Occupational Handbook

Psychologist
Occupation Code: 2634
Alternative titles: Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Organisational Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
Job description and duties
Psychologists generally perform duties with individuals or groups of people experiencing psychological, emotional and behavioural issues related to a range of areas and specialisations. Although tasks will vary according to area of expertise, a Psychologist is typically expected to:
• Interview, assess and observe behaviour of individuals to identify issues, patterns and/or disorders and recommend relevant interventions
• Administer different assessments and diagnostic tests such as psychometric tests
• Evaluate and interpret results from assessments and draft reports
• Organise and coordinate client meetings
• Meet clients individually and/or conduct group sessions in order to provide therapy, implement interventions or conduct coaching or training sessions depending on the setting
• Liaise with other professionals, such as Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Counsellors,
Teachers, Youth Workers, Probation Officers, Psychotherapists and Family Therapists who may be following the client
• Help facilitate organisational or social change
• Conduct research
• Keep up-to-date with the latest psychological
research in area of expertise
• Maintain the required documentation
on clients including logs and reports on
interventions carried out
• Attend supervision sessions with a supervisor
to discuss cases (where applicable)
• Supervise the work of Assistant Psychologists and other staff (where
applicable)
Work environment
Psychologists may work in a variety of settings in the public and private sectors including schools, hospitals and health care centres, academia, corporate settings, prisons, residential and community organisations. Opportunities within the non-profit sector may also be available. The work environment will vary according to one’s area of expertise. They may also work as Consultants to public or private entities.
Psychologists typically work on a full-time basis. Psychologists may also opt to work on a self-employed basis and manage their own practice. In any case working hours may vary depending on workload.
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