Counselling Psychologist Onboarding Checklist

Counselling Psychologist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Counselling Psychologist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Psychology onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Counselling Psychologist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Counselling Psychologist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Counselling Psychologist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new counselling psychologist should receive a comprehensive orientation to the company, including an introduction to the organization’s mission, values, and culture. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated orientation coordinator.

2. Introduction to colleagues: It is essential for the new counselling psychologist to meet and get acquainted with their colleagues. This task involves introducing the psychologist to other team members, both within their department and across the organization. Colleagues can provide valuable support, guidance, and collaboration opportunities. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or team leader.

3. Review of policies and procedures: The new counselling psychologist should be provided with a thorough review of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to client confidentiality, ethical guidelines, documentation requirements, and any specific protocols relevant to their role. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated compliance officer.

4. Familiarization with technology and systems: The new counselling psychologist should receive training on the technology and systems used within the company, such as electronic health record systems, scheduling software, and communication platforms. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated technology trainer.

5. Review of client population and caseload: The new counselling psychologist should be provided with an overview of the client population they will be working with, including any specific demographics, presenting issues, or specialized treatment approaches. Additionally, they should receive information about their caseload, including the number of clients they will be expected to see and any specific scheduling considerations. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or clinical director.

6. Training on therapeutic approaches and interventions: The new counselling psychologist should receive training on the therapeutic approaches and interventions commonly used within the organization. This may include evidence-based practices, specialized treatment modalities, or unique approaches developed by the company. This task is typically performed by the clinical director or senior clinicians.

7. Review of documentation requirements: The new counselling psychologist should be familiarized with the company’s documentation requirements, including intake forms, progress notes, treatment plans, and any other necessary paperwork. They should also receive training on maintaining accurate and timely documentation. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or clinical director.

8. Introduction to supervision and professional development opportunities: The new counselling psychologist should be informed about the supervision structure within the company, including how often they will meet with their supervisor, the format of supervision sessions, and any expectations for professional development. They should also be made aware of any additional training or continuing education opportunities provided by the company. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or clinical director.

9. Introduction to referral networks and community resources: The new counselling psychologist should be introduced to the company’s referral networks and community resources. This includes information about local mental health agencies, hospitals, support groups, and other relevant resources that may be beneficial for clients. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or clinical director.

10. Review of ethical guidelines and legal requirements: The new counselling psychologist should receive a comprehensive review of ethical guidelines and legal requirements relevant to their practice. This includes information about informed consent, confidentiality, mandated reporting, and any other legal or ethical considerations specific to their role. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated ethics officer.

11. Introduction to administrative tasks: The new counselling psychologist should be provided with an overview of any administrative tasks they will be responsible for, such as scheduling appointments, billing, or managing client records. They should receive training on any relevant software or systems used for these tasks. This task is typically performed by the administrative staff or a designated administrative trainer.

12. Introduction to quality assurance and performance evaluation: The new counselling psychologist should be informed about the company’s quality assurance processes and performance evaluation procedures. This includes information about how their work will be evaluated, any performance metrics or benchmarks, and any ongoing quality improvement initiatives. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated quality assurance officer.

13. Introduction to company resources and support services: The new counselling psychologist should be provided with information about the various resources and support services available within the company. This may include access to professional development funds, employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, or employee support networks. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated employee support coordinator.

14. Introduction to company policies on self-care and burnout prevention: The new counselling psychologist should be educated about the company’s policies and initiatives related to self-care and burnout prevention. This includes information about work-life balance, stress management resources, and any specific programs or policies aimed at supporting employee well-being. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated wellness coordinator.

15. Introduction to emergency procedures and crisis management: The new counselling psychologist should receive training on the company’s emergency procedures and crisis management protocols. This includes information about how to respond to client emergencies, safety protocols, and any specific procedures for handling crisis situations. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated safety officer.

16. Introduction to company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion: The new counselling psychologist should be educated about the company’s values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. This includes information about any diversity initiatives, cultural competency training, or efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for both clients and employees. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated diversity and inclusion officer.

17. Introduction to company’s marketing and branding strategies: The new counselling psychologist should be provided with an overview of the company’s marketing and branding strategies. This includes information about the company’s target audience, marketing materials, online presence, and any specific guidelines or expectations for promoting the company’s services. This task is typically performed by the marketing department or a designated marketing coordinator.

18. Introduction to company’s research and publication opportunities: The new counselling psychologist should be informed about any research or publication opportunities provided by the company. This includes information about ongoing research projects, collaborations with academic institutions, or opportunities to contribute to the company’s knowledge base through publications or presentations. This task is typically performed by the research department or a designated research coordinator.

19. Introduction to company’s code of conduct and professional ethics: The new counselling psychologist should be familiarized with the company’s code of conduct and professional ethics. This includes information about expected professional behavior, boundaries, conflicts of interest, and any specific guidelines or policies related to maintaining professional integrity. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated ethics officer.

20. Introduction to company’s crisis response and disaster preparedness plans: The new counselling psychologist should receive training on the company’s crisis response and disaster preparedness plans. This includes information about how the company handles natural disasters, public health emergencies, or other crisis situations that may impact service delivery. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or a designated crisis response coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Counselling Psychologist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Counselling Psychologist up to speed and working well in your Psychology team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.