A survey of competencies for psychologists in developmental disability services

Abstract

The introduction of registration for psychologists in NSW has formalised the necessity for newly qualified psychologists to receive supervision. In an effort to identify skill competencies for graduate psychologists working in the area of developmental disability, 54 psychologists were sent a postal survey requesting them to identify the most important skill domains for psychologists to master in their first two years of work experience, as well as the most important skills within each domain. The results for the 33 respondents indicated general overall agreement between supervisors and supervisees, and between psychologists in community settings and those in large residential facilities, although some important differences were noted. The implications of the survey for the planning of supervision of psychologists in the area of developmental disability are discussed.