Neuropsychological Specialist

Position Overview

We are looking for a part-time 8b Neuropsychological Specialist to become an integral part of our multidisciplinary teams, specifically within the Community Neurology Team and the Post Covid Assessment Service.

Both teams deliver care in diverse environments tailored to the needs of patients, including community settings (such as patient homes and care facilities), local clinics, and remote consultations.

This role adopts a hybrid working model, allowing for flexibility between office and home environments, with patient interactions occurring through various methods including phone consultations, clinic visits, and home visits. The Neuropsychological Specialist will play a crucial role within the multidisciplinary team, offering specialized services to individuals with a broad spectrum of neurological disorders, primarily focusing on Acquired Brain Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's Disease, as well as symptoms related to Post Covid conditions. The specialist will lead the Acquired Brain Injury pathway, coordinating monthly meetings with the multidisciplinary team, rehabilitation consultants, and social services to ensure that rehabilitation is effectively progressing in a goal-oriented manner with timely interventions and discharges.

Key Responsibilities

1. Deliver a highly specialized psychological service for patients experiencing Post Covid and complex neurological conditions, including neuropsychological, psychological, cognitive, and neuro-behavioral assessments and interventions, as well as risk management and referrals to mental health services as necessary.

2. Provide individual interventions, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and facilitate group sessions for patients and their families across various settings, including outpatient clinics, community environments, and virtual platforms when suitable. The appointee will manage their own caseload.

3. Support the implementation of national standards for psychological care by keeping team members informed and monitoring outcomes.

4. Lead service development initiatives; offer specialized client-centered education and training, and provide expert opinions for clients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, including both registered and non-registered staff and students.

5. Oversee and assist the team in managing complex cases and addressing risk issues through appropriate support and actions.

About Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Join an organization recognized for its 'Outstanding' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest accolade achievable, and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to receive this honor.

We strive to attract and retain a diverse, skilled, and dedicated workforce that is compassionate and capable of meeting the evolving demands of the modern NHS. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment conducive to career development.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about working with adults facing complex neurological disorders. Informal visits and discussions are encouraged to explore the role and address any inquiries.

Job Duties

1. Manage a caseload of complex clients independently, being accountable for all clinical decisions, including assessment, diagnosis, and the development of specialized care programs. The post holder will exercise autonomous professional responsibility for planning and prioritizing their workload, as well as for the assessment, treatment, and discharge of clients within the clinical service framework.

2. Conduct highly specialized neuropsychological assessments (including risk assessments) and intervention services, taking the lead in integrating complex data from expert assessments of adults with intricate disabilities using various assessment measures.

3. Formulate and interpret neuropsychological data regarding cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial functioning, presenting complex information sensitively to patients and their families, especially during distressing times.

4. Communicate effectively complex technical and clinically sensitive information to patients and professional colleagues, ensuring that feedback is tailored to individual understanding levels.

5. Develop and implement formal psychological treatment plans based on appropriate conceptual frameworks, utilizing the latest evidence-based practices.

6. Provide interventions on both individual and group bases, requiring high levels of communication and therapeutic skills, while developing and evaluating treatment plans and goals for each client.

7. Take the lead in creating and delivering psychological and social interventions for those facing psychological challenges, ideally with expertise in various therapeutic approaches.

8. Conduct specialized assessments of patients' mental capacity, working within legal frameworks to support decision-making in the best interest of patients.

9. Administer and interpret psychometric assessments, ensuring adherence to strict guidelines and effectively communicating results to relevant parties.

10. Communicate complex, sensitive information empathetically to clients, families, and professionals, overcoming barriers to understanding.

Qualifications

Essential

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or equivalent), covering models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, neuropsychology, and lifespan developmental psychology.

Desirable

• Post-doctoral training in specialized areas of psychological practice.
• Completion of a qualification in neuropsychology (QICN) or willingness to pursue it.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in specialist neuropsychology assessment and treatment across various care settings.
• Experience working with diverse client groups presenting a range of clinical severities.
• Experience in exercising full clinical responsibility for clients' psychological care.
• Experience in teaching, training, and/or professional clinical supervision.

Desirable

• Experience applying clinical psychology in different cultural contexts.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

Essential

• Skills in complex psychological assessment and intervention methods requiring sustained concentration.
• Project management experience.
• Experience presenting psychology within multidisciplinary care contexts.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development as recommended by the BPS.
• Formal training in supervising other psychologists.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation regarding the client group and mental health.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.

Desirable

• Knowledge of specialized psychological therapies for difficult-to-treat groups.
• High-level knowledge of specialized psychological therapies and assessment methodologies.

Communication

Essential

• Well-developed skills in effectively communicating complex, sensitive information to clients, families, and professional colleagues.
• Ability to provide support to staff and caregivers in distressing situations.
• Ability to write complex reports.

Desirable

• Experience working within a multicultural framework.

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Ability to develop and utilize multimedia materials for presentations in various settings.

Other

Essential

• Ability to identify and implement clinical governance mechanisms as appropriate.
• Must hold a valid driving license and have access to a vehicle for this role.
• Effective communication skills in written and verbal English.

Personal Attributes / Behaviors

Essential

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals.
• Ability to maintain clinical practice amidst exposure to emotive material and challenging behavior.
• Ability to work effectively with the multidisciplinary team and manage challenging situations professionally.