Employment as a psychologist in the Army is varied and, as such, psychologists come from a broad array of backgrounds and develop an adaptable and eclectic skills base.
Job Details
Graduate
The Regular Army component of the Australian Army Psychology Corps (AA Psych Corps), comprises approximately 65 uniformed officers (all of whom are psychologists) and 55 technically trained soldiers. The Corps is headed by a Director of the rank of Colonel who is responsible for providing advice on psychological matters to the Head of the Defence Health Services Division.
Main Job Functions
Employment as a psychologist in AA Psych Corps is varied and, as such, psychologists come from a broad array of backgrounds and develop an adaptable and eclectic skills base. Whilst there is some tendency to 'stream' psychologists in terms of their strengths and interests, breadth of experience is necessary for success at higher levels in the Corps.
Newly appointed officers are typically employed under the close supervision of senior psychologists and are gradually exposed to professional practice within the military. Early on, junior psychologists can expect to be employed in selection interviewing, post-operational screening, and research. With greater experience and skill development, they may also become involved in the assessment and counselling of soldiers.
With further experience Army psychologists gain greater professional responsibility. As such, duties may expand to include critical incident mental health support, clinical assessment and intervention, occupational analysis, personnel management advice, and the provision of support to deployed troops.
At senior levels, responsibilities broaden to include supervision, training and management of junior psychologists, conduct of group or individual officer selection boards, and Corps policy formulation and administration.
A career as an Army psychologist affords an excellent opportunity for professional skills acquisition and development within a challenging and stimulating military environment. As an officer you will be physically and mentally extended and rewarded in ways which are unrivalled by civilian employment within your chosen profession.
Graduate (Reserve)
A career as an Army psychologist affords an excellent opportunity for professional skills acquisition and development within a challenging and stimulating military environment. As an officer you will be physically and mentally extended and rewarded in ways which are unrivalled by civilian employment within your chosen profession.
