Abstract

This study investigated the staffing statistics of full-time employees at mental health improvement facilities and job requirements. Researchers conducted focus group interviews with practitioners to identify the role of mental health specialists. According to the results of data analysis, 38.23% of full-time workers at mental health improvement facilities were specialists, 5.12% were mental health clinical psychologists, and 61.77% were non-specialists with related certificates. In the job postings by the Korea Association of Mental Health Professionals over the past year, 40.70% of facilities sought individuals with certificates in clinical psychology, social work, and nursing, 30.97% required specialist certificates, and only 25.66% specifically requested mental health specialist certificates. According to the results of FGI, the common tasks included case management, services aimed at improving mental health, requests for administrative admission, assessment of legitimacy of admission, crisis intervention during emergencies, and training courses. The data analysis and FGI indicate that mental health specialists in mental health improving facilities, distinct from medical institutions, are typically engaged in common tasks. Researchers are hopeful that these findings will foster a deeper understanding of the roles played by mental health professionals and contribute to the development of a new system that encapsulates the professional identity of clinical psychologists.