Observational skills
Psychologists study attitude and behaviour. They must be able to observe people and understand the possible meanings of people's facial expressions, body positions, actions, and interactions.
Psychologists
Descriptions & Duties
- Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes through the use of case study, interview, observation, and psychological tests. They analyse the influence of heredity, social, occupational and other factors on emotion and behaviour. They are responsible for conducting counselling and therapeutic interviews with individuals, couples or families, developing and performing individual treatment plans, discussing the treatment plans with their clients and referring clients to specialists for other problems. They evaluate the effectiveness of counselling or treatments and the result of diagnoses, and modify diagnose plans when necessary.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:2 (Max:5)
Skill is occasionally required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Trade Specific Competencies
Psychology
Psychologists must have knowledge of human behaviour and emotion, individual differences in ability, personality, and interests, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
General Requirements
Academic qualification
- A master's degree or a doctoral degree in psychology or clinical psychology.
Professional qualification
- Members of the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) or the Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology (HKSCP) is preferable. Attained the status of registered clinical psychologist of the Hong Kong Psychological Society is advantageous
Career Path & Salary
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 27-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
Monthly Salary Directorate Pay Scale Point 1
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 27-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Work Environment
- Psychologists mostly work in Hospital Authority (including General Admission, Psychiatric Departments & Outpatient Wards), Department of Health (Child Assessment Service, Student Health Service, Elderly Health Service, Family Health Service) Social Welfare Department and Family Service of Non-Government Organisations. They may work evenings or weekends to accommodate clients. Those work in private practice often set their own business hours, and many work part time as independent consultants.
