Specific areas of practice

Community psychologists specialise in:

  • Needs analysis for communities at risk, such as immigrant groups and rural and remote communities.
  • Community asset mapping of social capital and related resources.
  • Community generated problem solving based on collaboration and social justice.
  • Community capacity building to manage change and address risks and threats.
  • Evaluation of psychosocial environments with respect to sense of community, quality of life, social support networks, resilience, etc.
  • Social impact assessment related to environmental issues such as drought and climate change.

Skills of community psychologists

Community psychologists have the knowledge and skills to:

  • Conduct community-focused psychosocial research.
  • Assess the psychosocial needs of individuals, groups, organisations and residential communities.
  • Conduct community consultation to inform public policy development.
  • Enhance engagement and collaboration within a diverse community.
  • Evaluate the processes and outcomes of community programs that address psychosocial needs.
  • Coordinate systems to manage projects.
  • Educate staff in community consultation skills.
  • Provide counselling and advocacy for individuals and groups.
  • Negotiate and mediate to manage and resolve conflict.
  • Develop, facilitate and evaluate group-based intervention and education programs.
  • Develop and conduct health promotion and education programs.
  • Promote and manage attitudinal and behavioural social change in individuals, systems, organizations and communities.
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