Job opportunities as a psychological assistant are not limited to a specific set of occupations for which one can study or train. Rather, the term refers to a variety of jobs — or occupational groups — in which an employee assists one or more psychologists or psychiatric professionals. A psychologist’s or psychiatrist’s office staff, inpatient psychiatric hospital aides, or substance abuse counselors are all examples of psychological assistant jobs. These positions are classified as either clerical or clinical in nature. Formal training and certification, on-the-job training, or both may be required for these positions, depending on the specific position that an individual wishes to hold.
Psychology and psychiatry office staff positions, as well as unit secretaries for inpatient psychiatric units, are all examples of clerical psychological assistant jobs. Answering the phone, filling out health insurance paperwork, scheduling appointments, and coordinating medication refill requests are all part of the job description for psychology and psychiatry office staff. Inpatient psychiatric unit secretaries are in charge of ordering physician-ordered laboratory tests, dietary changes, and new prescriptions. They also keep track of patients’ hospital records, make sure all admission data is complete, and prepare all necessary discharge paperwork. Although these jobs are mostly administrative, they do require some patient interaction, which should be done in a calm, appropriate, and helpful manner.
Certificates in office technology, an associate’s degree in business, on-the-job training, and employee orientations at a specific facility are some of the types of preparation that may be required for these types of psychological assistant jobs. Most of these jobs require a high school diploma, as well as the ability to read, write, and speak English, as well as excellent interpersonal and telephone communication skills.
Inpatient psychiatric hospital aides and substance abuse counselors are examples of clinical psychological assistant jobs. Direct patient interaction, treatment, and therapeutic communication are the main responsibilities of these positions. Psychiatric aides are also in charge of taking patients’ vital signs, documenting their activity on a regular basis — such as sleeping, eating, or participating in group therapy — and ensuring adequate supervision for their safety. Substance abuse counselors assist in the coordination and supervision of group therapy activities for chemical dependency issues. These counselors may also supervise patient outings to Alcoholics Anonymous® or Narcotics Anonymous® meetings in some facilities.
Clinical psychological assistant jobs necessitate some training as well as various types of certification and licensure. The majority of psychiatric assistants are certified nursing assistants (CNAs), who have completed a classroom and clinical training program and passed a certification exam. Counselors for substance abuse come to their jobs in a variety of ways. They could be recovering addicts, nurses, or nursing assistants with additional substance abuse counseling training and certification. Substance abuse counselor qualifications vary by state and facility requirements in the United States.