Psychologists’ Job Satisfaction and The National Disability Insurance Scheme

Abstract

With the complete roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) fast approaching, research has documented the process, evaluations and suggested improvements of the scheme. However, there has been little insight into the perspectives of psychologists who play an integral part in the system in providing services to clients. This qualitative study explored the experience of psychologists working within the scheme and the reported effects it has had on their job satisfaction. Furthermore, the study documents the changes participants believe may improve psychologists’ job satisfaction. Eight psychologists were interviewed with six of them registered NDIS service providers. Thematic analysis of the data identified six experience themes with respective subthemes: Client experience; Administrative paperwork; Communication; Session impact; Effects on psychologists; and Outcomes of job satisfaction Further thematic analysis generated two suggestion themes: Client-centred suggestions and Psychologist-centred suggestions. Participants reported decreased levels of job satisfaction impacted access to psychology services for NDIS clients. Recommendations are offered to improve psychologists’ experiences working within the NDIS.