espite rapid growth in the number of psychology graduates, almost no data are available concerning labour D market demand and the expectations of employers. This study surveyed 6,298 positions available to psychology graduates, counsellors, social workers, and occupational therapists in the State of New South Wales during the years 1984 to 1990. Over this period, the number of advertisements for psychology graduates and all professions grew, with the exception of psychologist positions requiring four years of education. The advertised demand for six-year educated psychologists increased markedly. Overall, the range of advertised employment opportunities for psychology graduates narrowed, with large losses in the hospital and private sectors. There were very few differences in the duties of psychologists and clinical psychologists. The number of duties increased over time, and there was a decline in the demand for research and other psychological skills. The number of advertised positions available to inexperienced four-year graduates almost halved. The results are discussed in terns of the growing demand for six-year graduates, and changes which could increase the market appeal of four-year graduates.

Despite rapid growth in the number of occupational therapy graduates in Australia, almost no data are available concerning the demand and the expectations of employers. This study surveyed 6298 advertised positions available to occupational therapists, social workers, psychologists and counsellors in the state of New South Wales during the years 1984–90. Over this period the demand for occupational therapists grew by 53%, which exceeded the growth in demand for social workers and psychologists, but was less than that for community and mental health workers and counsellors. The employment base was found to be reasonably broad and 8% of jobs were in the private sector. The number of duties required of occupational therapists increased over time, and there was an increase in the demand for programme promotion, administration and supervision skills. The results are discussed in terms of the employment base and defining strengths of the profession, recommendations for strengthening the profession, and implications for the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Despite rapid growth in the number of counsellors, almost no data are available concerning labour market demand, and the expectations of employers. This study surveyed 6298 positions available to counsellors, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists in the state of New South Wales during the years 1984-1990. Over this period the demand for counsellors grew by 148%, a figure which far exceeded that of psychologists, social workers or occupational therapists. Only the demand for community mental health workers increased at a faster rate. The employment base for counsellors was concentrated in community health, hospital, welfare, corrective services and education. The main duties of counsellors were in counselling, community education and liaison, program development, drug and alcohol services, family case work, group work, assessment and testing, individual case work, and staff development and education. Counsellors were distinguished from psychologists and other health professionals by the emphasis placed on counselling, program development and the provision of drug and alcohol services. The number of advertised duties expected of counsellors increased by 29% over the six years, and there was an increased demand for the skills with which counsellors were identified. The demand for prior work experience and a postgraduate qualification also increased over time, whilst there was a decline in the proportion of senior positions. The results are discussed in terms of the need for the counselling profession to be more market oriented, and for certain critical employment-related skills to be incorporated into the education of counsellors.