El Paso Psychology Internship Consortium

COMPETENCIES AND TRAINING ELEMENTS

Competency I:  Research Training Elements:

• Integrates evidence-based theoretical/conceptual framework into practice
• Utilizes scholarly literature in determining treatment approaches and conceptualizations
• Utilizes supervision to discuss how to apply scientific knowledge in work with clients
• Demonstrates knowledge of theories and methods of program evaluation
• Demonstrates the substantially independent ability to critically evaluate and disseminate research or other scholarly activities at the local, regional, or national level

Competency II:  Ethical and Legal Standards Training Elements:

• Demonstrates knowledge of and acts in accordance with the following; the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct; relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; other relevant professional standards and guidelines pertaining to the profession of psychology
• Demonstrates ethical conduct with clients, co-workers, and others
• Recognizes ethical dilemmas as they arise, and applies ethical decision-making processes in order to resolve the dilemmas

Competency III:  Individual and Cultural Diversity Training Elements

• Demonstrates an understanding of how individual and cultural diversity affects psychological and personality development
• Demonstrates awareness of and respect for cultural differences
• Considers cultural issues in case conceptualization and diagnosis
• Considers cultural issues in selection of assessment and treatment modalities
• Demonstrates understanding of own cultural background and its impact on work with diverse clients
• Utilizes scholarly literature to inform practice with diverse clients
• Demonstrates comfort in working with diverse populations
• Uses culturally appropriate interventions with clients
• Utilizes knowledge about the role of culture in work with clients

Competency IV:  Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors Training Elements

• Attends scheduled appointments, training activities, and meetings consistently and on-time
• Demonstrates appropriate physical conduct, including attire, consistent with context
• Engages in self-reflection and demonstrates understanding of the impact of self on others
• Demonstrates effective self-care
• Writes professional case notes and other clinical documentation
• Completes all required documentation in a timely manner
• Demonstrates effective management of clinical responsibilities
• Follows proper procedures in protecting client information and case files
• Demonstrates the previously stated professional activities with a greater degree of independence as they progress through their training

Competency V:  Communication and Interpersonal Skills Training Elements

• Communicates with and maintains appropriate relationships with clients, supervisors, and others in a professional and respectful manner
• Demonstrates awareness of internship setting and works appropriately within that setting
• Understands and produces documentation presented in a variety of communication styles (oral, nonverbal, and written)
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and the ability to manage difficult communication well

Competency VI:  Assessment Training Elements

• Demonstrates a thorough working knowledge of psychological diagnostic nomenclature
• Utilizes historical, interview, and psychometric data to diagnose accurately
• Considers multicultural factors, diagnostic questions, and alternate diagnoses when selecting appropriate assessment instruments
• Accurately administers and scores assessment instruments
• Appropriately interprets results of assessment instruments
• Integrates relevant data to answer presented assessment questions in a psychological report
• Appropriately conveys assessment results and conclusions to client

Competency VII:  Intervention Training Elements

• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services
• Appropriately assesses for risk of harm to self or others
• Demonstrates capacity to manage high-risk clinical situations effectively and ethically
• Considers client input and factors of diversity when developing intervention plans
• Appropriately conceptualizes and describes presenting issues
• Develops evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals
• Implements interventions informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity characteristics, and contextual variables
• Demonstrates the ability to apply the relevant research literature to clinical decision making
• Modifies and adapts evidence-based approaches effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking
• Demonstrates self-awareness and impact of self on therapeutic relationship
• Effectively evaluates intervention effectiveness using a variety of resources (objective measures, clinical consultation, supervision, etc.) and can readily make adjustments as necessary

Competency VII:  Supervision Training Elements

• Receiving Supervision
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the supervision process
  • Communicates supervision needs and preferences
  • Seeks supervision to address challenges and barriers in clinical work, ethical conduct, diversity issues and professionalism
  • Arrives adequately prepared for supervision
  • Demonstrates openness and non-defensiveness in supervision
  • Demonstrates willingness and ability to integrate feedback to improve clinical skills and to further professional development
  • Works with supervisor to set goals and tracks progress toward achieving goals
• Providing Supervision
  • Demonstrates knowledge of models of supervision
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the supervision process
  • Applies knowledge of appropriate supervision skills

Competency IX:  Consultation and Interprofessional/interdisciplinary Skills Training Elements

• Demonstrates an understanding of using a team approach to provide clinical services
• Actively seeks out consultation from supervisors and staff as well as outside agencies
• Effectively consults with other professional staff and community providers regarding mental health issues
• Applies knowledge of theories and methods of consultation
• Discusses how cultural factors may impact conceptualization and adjusts treatment plan accordingly