Registered Psychologist - school-based role

As a Registered Psychologist at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), your primary responsibilities include working closely with students on the autism spectrum, assessing their needs and strengths, and collaborating with the Learning Support Team to craft individualized support strategies. You will engage with families and community settings to help students develop transferable skills and create functional goals that encourage meaningful change in their daily lives.

To qualify for the Registered Psychologist role at Autism Spectrum Australia, you must possess tertiary qualifications in psychology and be fully registered with AHPRA. Additionally, you’ll need a current driver’s license, an NDIS Worker Screening Check clearance, and a Working with Children Check for paid employment in your state. Completing the NDIS Worker Orientation Module ‘Quality, Safety and You’ is also essential.

As a Registered Psychologist at Autism Spectrum Australia, you will enjoy various benefits including a competitive salary ranging from $78K - $116K pa, comprehensive training programs, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to work in a supportive environment with resources like a phone and laptop. Additionally, you may access salary packaging options, paid leave entitlements, and discounts through Fitness Passport.

Yes, Autism Spectrum Australia is open to candidates for the Registered Psychologist position who may prefer to only work during school terms. You have the option to purchase annual leave, which can provide you with the flexibility to align your work schedule with the school calendar.

Autism Spectrum Australia takes professional development seriously by providing tailored induction programs, internal and external training opportunities, and access to an annual National Conference for networking and career advancement. Moreover, they offer free training sessions in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) to enhance your skill set and keep you at the top of your field.

When assessing the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum, it's essential to utilize a combination of observations, standardized assessments, and interviews with family and educators. Start by understanding the individual's strengths and challenges, and apply evidence-based assessment tools to formulate a comprehensive understanding that informs your strategies for support.

In answering this question, share a detailed example focusing on a specific case where you identified a student’s unique needs, designed an individualized support plan, and collaborated with their family and teachers. Highlight measurable outcomes and the psychological theories or frameworks that guided your approach to demonstrate your problem-solving skills effectively.

Families are integral to your intervention strategies as they provide insight into the individual’s history, preferences, and motivations. Emphasize your commitment to engaging families in the therapeutic process by incorporating their knowledge into goal-setting and ensuring that intervention strategies align with their values and contexts, ultimately fostering a collaborative approach to support.

Keeping up with the latest research in psychology involves subscribing to relevant journals, attending workshops and conferences, and engaging in professional networks. Discuss any specific courses or certifications you have pursued, as well as how applying this knowledge in your daily practice helps you provide better outcomes for your clients.

Building rapport with students requires patience and active listening. Share techniques you employ, such as creating a safe and welcoming environment, finding common interests, and using humor or creative activities to engage students. Emphasizing your adaptability in using different approaches based on individual needs will also be beneficial.

Choose a specific challenge you encountered—perhaps a communication barrier or behavioral issue—and outline the steps you took to address it. Detail the strategies you implemented, how you involved others (like teachers or parents), and the eventual outcome, highlighting your resilience and adaptability in overcoming obstacles in your practice.

Ensuring that intervention strategies are evidence-based involves reviewing current research, identifying best practices within the field, and continually evaluating the effectiveness of approaches used in your practice. Discuss seeking peer-reviewed literature, attending training, and participating in supervision to enhance the quality of your practice.

In discussing your approach to interdisciplinary teamwork, emphasize your communication skills and willingness to collaborate closely with other professionals, such as teachers, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. Share examples of successful collaborations that benefited clients and highlight the importance of a shared understanding of goals in these dynamics.

Express your support for positive behavior support (PBS) as a proactive approach that emphasizes teaching appropriate behaviors rather than solely focusing on punishment. Discuss how PBS principles can create a positive learning environment and lead to significant improvements in student engagement, behavior, and overall school climate.

When answering this question, reflect on your passion for supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and how Autism Spectrum Australia’s values and mission align with your professional goals. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and your desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students.