JOB ANALYSIS REPORT
Introduction
The following job analysis report is based on the recruitment of a detail-oriented, and experienced clinical psychologist to join the growing team of ‘Voice for all’- a non- profit organization which aims to provide a voice for the voiceless, consisting of both children and adults in war torn regions such as Iraq. The recruitment of a clinical psychologist was urgent and hence prioritized over other jobs, for the primary reason that clinical psychologists are of great versatility. Those belonging to this field investigate, screen and advice or give recommendations for the best treatment of clients. With regards to this particular organization, the recruitment of clinical psychologists was taken into consideration as clinical psychologists will be of great value to this organization in terms of promoting subjective well-being, individual development and relieving psychologically based distress amongst child and adult victims. Thus, in relation to working in a non-profit organization, these clinical psychologists fall under the healthcare and mental health care sector. Furthermore, with regards to the guidelines of the recruitment process, the aim of this job analysis is to assist ‘Voice for all’ in creating a right fit between the tasks required by this organization, and a clinical psychologist, to thereby fulfill the organizations tasks, while assisting and making way for the organization to achieve its goals and ideologies, to help create a voice for the voiceless.
Method
The following job analysis was conducted on a highly educated clinical psychologist in the form of a semi-structured interview. With the intention of getting a broader, in-depth understanding and insight to the clinical psychologist’s work, background and skills, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. Qualitative data took the form of open ended questions, whilst quantitative data were gathered through closed ended questions. The interviewee chosen was a close relative, currently lecturing at the University of Coventry. As she had been working in this field for over ten years, not only was she highly educated, but also highly experienced in this particular field. This interviewee was selected based on the following criteria. Namely, her years of experience as a clinical psychologist, her ability to listen attentively, and her knowledge in this respective field. Distance became a barrier in terms of physically conducting a face to face interview, thus, this interview was conducted via a skype video call. Firstly, this interview commenced by adhering to several ethical guidelines, informing the participant of the reasons associated with conducting this interview, introducing the participant to a basic layout of the interview and by obtaining informed consent prior to the commencement of the interview. Furthermore, the interviewee was informed of the anonymity and confidentiality that was to be maintained right throughout this interview. several open ended and closed ended questions were asked throughout this interview, with regard to three specific themes. Thus, with regards to each theme, a few key questions asked are mentioned below. The following questions gave the interviewee the opportunity to reason out and elaborate on her answers.
Theme 1: Background
With regards to this theme, the interviewee was given the opportunity to introduce themselves. The introduction was then followed by a few questions, such as:
• What made you pursue this specific career path?
• At what age did you show interest in the field of critical psychology?
• Prior to pursuing the role of a clinical psychologist, what was your initial understanding of this occupation?
Theme 2: Education, Licenses and certifications
• In order to become a licensed Clinical psychologist, specify the educational requirements you needed to fulfill.
• Prior to obtaining your license, elaborate on the training and field experience requirements.
• How many years did it take, in order to practice as a clinical psychologist?
Theme 3: Skills, abilities and tasks
• Specify few of the basic skills and responsibilities you adhere to whilst pursuing your job.
• What is your greatest strength as a clinical psychologist?
• What are your abilities?
• What tasks do you find most challenging?
With the utmost cooperation of the participant, this interview was completed within 40 minutes. Furthermore, this interview was concluded by thanking the participant for her cooperation and participation.
Results
In relation to the answers obtained through the interview process, the interviewee firstly addressed the questions based on the first theme, and stated that she pursued this specific field in psychology as a result of her personal experience with a clinical psychologist during her youth which created within her, the desire to offer the same help to those in need.
In order to receive the title of a clinical psychologist, the interviewee elaborated on her educational background of nine years that helped her achieve this title. After receiving her basic bachelor degree in Psychology, which fulfilled the entry requirements for a doctoral programme, she proceeded to obtain her doctorate (Psy. D), accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Subsequently, she participated in a post-doctoral fellowship programme with the intention of obtaining field experience. Completing 2500 working hours, she provided clinical services to trauma patients, under the supervision of her faculty. Finally, completing her licensing test gave her the opportunity to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.
Finally, addressing the third theme, the responses received are tabulated below.
Skills
• Communication skills- As Clinical psychologists interact with clients and use interview techniques to gather the necessary information, it is essential for clinical psychologists to possess such skills with the intention of conducting interactive therapies and obtaining relevant information.
• Analytic skills- Interpreting the information obtained from clients and evaluating the information against criteria assisting in the diagnosis of the disorder.
• Decision making- Taking into consideration the potential costs and benefits before deciding on elements such as appropriate therapy.
• Critical thinking- reasoning out and using logical thinking in order to identify strengths and weaknesses of a situation, thus developing the possible outcome.
Abilities
• Speech clarity- The ability to speak clearly
• Problem sensitivity- The ability to sense a problem
• Oral expression- The ability to communicate
Tasks and Responsibilities
• Interact and provide assistance to clients in terms of taking necessary action to achieve educational, social, vocational or personal development.
• Identifying issues and thereafter make an accurate diagnosis.
• Administering necessary treatment, based on the clients’ symptoms and diagnosis.
• Maintain paperwork and write reports on clients.
• Conducting therapy sessions on a regular basis
• Observing the progress and effectiveness of administered treatment
Amongst several tasks faced by a clinical psychologist, the interviewee states that a critical task she faces on a daily basis is the process of administering the most suitable treatment, with regard to the clients’ diagnosis. As treatments are of various types, namely psychotherapy, behavioural analysis, counselling and hypnosis, successful execution is essential.
Further, the interviewee states that identifying the patient’s symptoms and making an accurate diagnosis, to be challenging and critical. This task requires a clinical psychologist to identify issues in relation to emotion, psychology and behaviour. Thereafter, accurate diagnosis is required. The most suitable diagnosis is made using information obtained through sources such as records, reference materials, prior interviews and scientific research. Not only does this task require a great amount of knowledge, it is highly time consuming, thus the extent to which this task is critical, is evident.
Discussion
With regard to the responses obtained through this interview, it is evident that a clinical psychologist possesses several skills and takes on several tasks. Thus, the recruitment of a clinical psychologist for the organization ‘Voice for All’ will be of great benefit as the victims of war torn regions could receive assistance through relevant diagnosis and treatments. However, a significant limitation prevalent throughout this interview is the sole focus on one individual. As the results are based on the responses of one clinical psychologist, the extent to which the responses are reliable and generalizable across several psychologists is thus questionable. Therefore, with the intention of getting a greater understanding with regard to a clinical psychologist’s job, future job analysis could focus on several interviews. Further, as the results are explained based on
Conclusion
This interview was conducted with the intention of receiving a broader understanding of the background, skills, abilities and tasks carried out by a licensed clinical psychologist.
The results obtained through the interview process could be used in terms of determining what kind of individual is required to fulfill the tasks of a clinical psychologist. Further, this job analysis could be used a performance review to either identify or develop performance standards of a clinical psychologist. Nonetheless, a limitation of this job analysis is the focus on a particular occupation, rather than focusing on several occupations that could assist children and adults in war torn regions. Such occupations could vary from child psychologists to therapists. However, as this is a job analysis simulation, the results obtained should be used by recruiters as a guideline and not as a definite structure of a clinical psychologist.