The types of jobs available for community psychologists include both licensed and non-licensed positions. For example, community psychology jobs can include working as a behavior intervention specialist who is employed by a school district. These types of therapist jobs include working to complete functional assessments and develop and implement individualized behavior support plan. These community psychologists will most likely work in a group home for foster children, delinquent youth or students with behavioral challenges. These community psychologists will advocate for their clients, implement programs and maintain careful documentation. They will ensure that their clients live in safe, healthy and nurturing environments. Where do community psychologist work and what do community psychologists do? Careers in community psychology can be in a number of areas and work closely with other professionals. Here are some other community psychology examples:
Trauma Therapist
A trauma therapist may work for a community program, such as a family justice, immigrant support, social services center, or one of the public sector organizations providing services. Trauma therapists provide mental health support using evidence-based practices and interventions for those with mental health issues under the supervision of a licensed therapist or program manager. Workers in these community psychology jobs in community programs will most likely have job duties that facilitate referrals into state sponsored programs in government agencies or non-profit community programs. This entry-level community psychologist therapist will most likely work in concert with a staff psychiatrist who provides intake therapy services and referrals to clients.
Most employers want community psychologist trauma therapists who are bilingual with a few years of supervised clinical experience. Job candidates must have a graduate psychology degree with a strong knowledge of modern clinical psychology’s basic principles and practices. These will probably include personality theory, diagnostic interviewing, abnormal psychology, psychotherapy techniques, social casework and family therapy. A trauma therapist must have direct experiencing dealing with psychological trauma and its effects on individuals, a particular group, and communities.
Substance Abuse Treatment Counselor
A treatment counselor will most likely work for a private behavioral health organization. Many of these organizations receive state and federal funding, so they must adhere to government regulations. These community psychologists will most likely have professional experience in the field of human services. Many in this position have work experience through other organizations and include state community engagement, Child Welfare, Family Integration Services programs. These community psychology jobs working as counselors will facilitate the initial procedures for admission, which includes the completion of intake forms, releases and client histories.
These treatment counselors will make recommendations for treatment planning, apply diagnostic criteria to determine client eligibility and evaluate individuals referred to organizations through Departments of Human Services, law enforcement agencies and county court systems. They must identify and evaluate client strengths, limitations, problems and immediate needs in order to create treatment plans. These community psychologists will provide case management services to clients through one-on-one coaching sessions, multiple services planning and consultations with multi-disciplinary teams.
Psychology Department Faculty
Some community psychologists choose a teaching or research career in academia at an accredited university. These faculty members will most likely teach bachelor’s degree level psychology courses during the academic year. Only the most successful applicants will be able to teach both traditional in-person bachelor’s degree students and online adult students. They will teach advanced labs related to general psychology, research methods and community psychology. Some of these professors develop their own active program of community research or collaborate with external organizations in research.
These psychology professors will teach, advise and mentor a diverse student body. They will need a strong record of conducting and disseminating collaborative and empirical research. These community psychologists will most likely be trained in traditional fields, such as counseling or cross-cultural psychology, or specializations like the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. They help prepare the next generation in community psychologists, including preparing students for jobs in abnormal psychology.
Most community psychologists have jobs that are generally open to those who have a master’s degree in social work, behavior analysis, clinical psychology or mental health counseling. Some jobs in community psychology can include positions that require state licensure, specialized training or experience in assessment techniques. They may work for community organizations, promote participation in programs, work in criminal justice or even do independent research.
FAQ’s
What are other jobs titles a Psychologist might have?
Other titles may include: Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Child Psychologist, School Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Health Psychologist, Industrial Organization Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Community Psychologist, mental health workers, and Rehabilitation Counselor, among other titles. They may work in schools, hospitals, prisons and other community organizations.
What are important qualities in this profession?
A psychologist should be good as an active listener, patient, empathetic, and ethical. Psychologists are effective communicators, creative problem solvers, and aware of cultural differences. These professionals also are lifelong learners, always working to improve their knowledge and skills. They are trustworthy and have an open mind. Other helpful skills to be successful in this field include analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and observational skills. If you are considering this exciting field, see if you have the potential to develop these skills to be a successful psychologist.
How does one become a Psychologist?
Although many psychologists need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree may be enough for many positions such as school and industrial organizational jobs. Psychologists in clinical practice will need a state license to practice in this field. There are certifications that can be earned in different professional areas, with the American Board of Professional Psychology having 15 specialty certifications in psychology, including clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and rehabilitation psychology among others. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology also offers certifications including certification in neuropsychology. Being board certified demonstrates expertise in a specialty area and gives credibility when seeking employment or clients as someone in private practice. Certification may not be required for most psychologists, but many hospitals and human services clinics do require certification.
What is the job outlook and pay for Psychologists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologist’s job outlook is about average for all occupations with a 6% increase between 2021 and 2031. The median pay for psychologists was $84,040 as of May 2021. The largest employers of psychologists are: 27% work in elementary and secondary schools, 27% in private practice, 21% in ambulatory health care, 9% in government, and 5% in the hospital setting. Pay will vary according to work experience, education, employer and location.
What are some professional organizations for Psychologists?
Members of professional organizations can expect promotion of their field, continuing education opportunities, networking events, information for students and others interested in joining the field, and more. Check out these organizations that support the important field of Psychology.
- American Psychological Association (APA) is the leading professional and scientific organization for psychology in the United States. With over 146,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students in its membership, APA is a major support for psychologists of all kinds.
- Association for Psychological Science (APS) The Association for Psychological Science (APS), previously known as the American Psychological Society, is an international non-profit professional organization. APS’s mission is to promote, protect, and advance the interests of scientifically oriented psychology in research, application, teaching, and improving human welfare.
- National Alliance of Professional Psychology Providers (NAPPP) provides professional support to service providers in the field of psychology.
If you are interested in working in the exciting field of Psychology, check out the accredited programs listed with the professional organizations, and explore the many specialty areas and certifications available. Whether you’re interested in children, the elderly, or anywhere in between, the field of psychology may be where you field your dream career.
MPH staff, May 2023
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