Stroke Rehabilitation Assistant Psychologist

Position Overview

We are pleased to announce an opportunity for a full-time Band 4 Stroke Rehabilitation Assistant Psychologist to join our Integrated Stroke Therapy Team within a prominent healthcare organization.

The ideal candidate will be a driven and enthusiastic individual, ideally with prior experience in a physical health environment, and a strong interest in the specialized field of stroke rehabilitation. A minimum of an upper second-class honors degree in Psychology is required, along with proficiency in various IT systems.

This role involves supporting the Clinical Psychologist in delivering high-quality clinical psychology services, focusing on the psychological and professional care of patients throughout the stroke recovery process. Responsibilities include conducting a variety of psychological and psychometric assessments and interventions, both directly with patients and indirectly with their families, caregivers, and the broader multidisciplinary team (MDT).

Key Responsibilities

As an Assistant Psychologist, you will be expected to work flexibly across various healthcare settings, providing exceptional clinical psychological support to patients on the stroke recovery pathway under the guidance of the Clinical Psychologist.

Your duties will include:

• Engaging with patients, their families, and caregivers in both hospital and home settings.
• Delivering individual and group interventions aimed at helping patients achieve their rehabilitation objectives while addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects of stroke.
• Participating in the development and assessment of an innovative online neuro-rehabilitation program.
• Collaborating closely with other therapists within the MDT to ensure a patient-centered, holistic, and goal-oriented approach.
• Assisting in the training of stroke therapy team staff and other care providers.
• Contributing to program and project initiatives, including clinical evaluation and audit activities.
• Performing administrative tasks such as drafting referrals, clinical letters, and reports, while receiving regular supervision from a qualified clinical psychologist.

About Our Organization

Our organization is a large integrated healthcare provider committed to delivering high-quality acute secondary healthcare services.

The integrated stroke team is dedicated to rehabilitating patients from the onset of stroke through to community reintegration. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Assistant Practitioners, and Clinical Support Workers, while also maintaining strong connections with relevant organizations.

We prioritize professional development through a robust supervision and appraisal framework, alongside in-house training opportunities to enhance the clinical skills of our staff. You will also connect with the broader clinical health psychology service for professional guidance and growth.

Our commitment is to provide high-quality care to all patients, and we actively engage in various research initiatives to foster continuous service improvement.

Communication and Collaboration

Utilize effective communication skills to co-facilitate group therapies and support staff training.

Maintain regular communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, administrative personnel, care providers, and psychology service members as necessary.

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and ensure accurate documentation of all patient-related communications.

Communicate assessment outcomes and intervention results to patients, relatives, caregivers, and team members under supervision.

Uphold the highest standards of clinical record-keeping and report writing in accordance with professional codes of practice and organizational policies.

Professional Development

Engage in learning and development opportunities identified during performance reviews to enhance skills and competencies relevant to your role.

Provide feedback to your Line Manager and Clinical Supervisor regarding the effectiveness of learning activities during supervision sessions.

Comply with continuing professional development (CPD) requirements as outlined by relevant regulatory bodies.

Health and Safety

Identify and assess potential risks associated with work activities for yourself and others.

Report any actual or potential issues that may compromise health, safety, and security, and suggest appropriate solutions.

Service Improvement

Effectively participate in tasks related to service evaluation, audits, and research projects as requested.

Patient Engagement

Involve patients in shared decision-making processes and obtain their consent for assessments, treatments, and communication with third parties.

Promptly notify the team of any identified risks and document activities undertaken to monitor changes in health and well-being.

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Discuss assessment strategies with your supervisor and understand your role in the assessment process.

Conduct selected patient assessments, including psychometric, neuropsychological, self-report, and observational measures, as well as semi-structured interviews and group interventions under supervision.

Identify suitable methods and techniques for various activities and individuals, ensuring appropriate preparation while considering any associated risks.

Interventions and Treatments

Implement specific components of group treatment programs, coordinating closely with other multidisciplinary staff and your clinical supervisor.

Conduct relevant patient reviews under clinical supervision and in collaboration with other team members as appropriate.

Monitor individuals during tasks and report any changes in their health and well-being.

Document activities and outcomes in accordance with established procedures, policies, and legislation.

Data Collection and Analysis

Score psychometric questionnaires utilized in patient assessments and collect necessary statistical information for organizational records.

Analyze, present, and report data for the evaluation of psychological services within the Integrated Stroke Therapy Team using IT and statistical tools.

Maintain and update relevant databases, including clinical information and outcomes of interventions.

Qualifications

Essential

• An upper second-class honors degree or higher in Psychology.
• Experience working with individuals with physical or long-term conditions or mental health challenges.
• Proficiency in using computers for database management or data analysis.
• Knowledge of psychological methods and theories, with the ability to apply this knowledge in a clinical context.
• An understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with stroke or neurological conditions.
• A genuine interest in working with adults diagnosed with stroke throughout their recovery journey.
• Ability to travel between various healthcare settings.

Desirable

• Eligibility for graduate membership of the British Psychological Society.
• Experience in conducting research projects.
• Ability to facilitate group therapy sessions.
• Experience in audits and service evaluations.
• Experience working in community settings.