A SURVEY OF COMPETENCES FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITYSERVICES

The introduction of registration for psychologists in NSW has formalis ed the necessity for newly qualified psychologists to receive supervis ion. In an effort to identify skill competencies for graduate psycholo gists working in the area of developmental disability, 54 psychologist s were sent a postal survey requesting them to identify the most impor tant skill domains for psychologists to master in their first two year s 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 psychologis ts in community settings and those in large residential facilities, al though 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.