NHSJobs.com

Job overview

Assistant Psychologist - Band 5 - 37.5 hours per week

We have a vacancy for a full time Assistant Psychologist on the Acute Rehabilitation and Trauma Unit (ARTU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and a full time Assistant Psychologist post with Stroke Psychology based at Haywood Hospital and in the community. The post is to support the Senior Clinical Psychologist in providing psychological care for patients who have experienced a stroke or a major trauma and specialised rehabilitation to patients on the hyper-acute rehabilitation unit or stroke rehabilitation ward at Haywood Hospital. The post holder will also be working closely with the wider MDT both inpatient and in the community in the case of the stroke post.  The role involves contributing to the assessment, formulation and treatment of patients with significant brain injuries/stroke which may result in disorders of consciousness or behaviour that challenges. For the stroke post, there will also be the opportunity to support problematic mood. Supporting the wider team in their understanding and management of these difficulties is a key element of this role.

The post is based on a busy acute hospital ward, although agile working is expected. The post holder will receive weekly clinical supervision from a Senior Clinical Psychologist. There is opportunity for teaching, research, clinical audit and CPD.

Main duties of the job

Core features of the role will include:

·         Working alongside the Senior Clinical Psychologist and Multi-Disciplinary Team to provide high quality psychological formulation and intervention for patients requiring specialised rehabilitation  

·         Providing structured interventions under the supervision of the Senior Clinical Psychologist

·         Working with people who have complex needs which can present/lead to challenging situations or behaviours.

·         Administration and evaluation of appropriate assessment and screening tools, outcome measures and cognitive assessments

·         Assistance with service development and evaluation

·         Previous experience of working with adults with physical, cognitive or mental health problems is essential.

·         Previous experience of working in a multidisciplinary team would be an advantage.

Working for our organisation

The Acute Rehabilitation and Trauma Unit opened in 2016 to provide care to patients in our major trauma centre and those with complex rehabilitation needs.  The ward is a dynamic and fast paced environment, although many of our rehab patients will stay with us for a number of months.   We are a friendly and welcoming team of professionals from a range of different health care backgrounds. 

Sneyd ward at Haywood Hospital is specialist, 20 bedded, stroke rehabilitation ward. There is a diverse MDT including dietician, physio., OT, rehab. assistants, SLT, pharmacy, medical and psychological support with an opportunity to work jointly across all disciplines. Patients receive intensive rehab. post the acute phase of their stroke. The Community Stroke Team (CST) support patients after their discharge from hospital and covers the whole of the City and surrounding areas. Sneyd ward and the CST have had Clinical Psychology support for a number of years, but the AP role has only been in place for the last year, demonstrating the value the teams place on Psychology and a willingness to invest in the team.

As well as being a key member of the ward MDT, and receiving support from the clinical neuropsychologist on the ward, you will be part of a growing neuropsychology department, and have good links to peers in the North Staffs Combined HealthCare’s assistant psychologist group.  Support will be provided to applicants who aspire to complete doctoral training in Clinical Psychology.