Job description

Job responsibilities

OverviewWe are seeking an Assistant Psychologist to work within our inpatient stroke teams on both the acute and rehabilitation stroke wards in Gloucestershire.

The post holder will support the Clinical neuro/psychologists on the acute stroke ward at Cheltenham General Hospital in the identification and management of post stroke mood difficulties and will also have the rewarding opportunity to follow up the psychological care of patients at the stroke rehabilitation ward at The Vale Hospital, Dursley. There is scope to shape this new post and opportunities to contribute to innovative, exciting, and patient centred psychological interventions for people who have had a stroke and their families.

Job PurposeTo support the inpatient stroke psychology team in the identification and treatment of mood and cognitive difficulties in patients post stroke. The post offers varied roles including overseeing the delivery of the mood screening programme, offering level 1 psychological interventions within the stepped care model, and developing innovative and person centred interventions such as specialist group work at the rehabilitation end of the pathway.

The post forms part of the Clinical Health Psychology Department, based at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Required to act independently and be accountable for own actions within professional guidelines and trust policies.

The post holder will be required to closely liaise with the Specialist Clinical Psychologists working in stroke and the Stroke Clinical Teams on both the acute and rehabilitation wards

DimensionsThe post holder will be managed within the Clinical Health Psychology Dept and supported by a Band 8b Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist for stroke. Within the stroke psychology service there is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist / Service Lead for Stroke and a further Band 8a Clinical Psychologist supporting the acute team.

Knowledge Skills and ExperienceHonours degree in Psychology or an equivalent training or qualificationsEligibility on graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological SocietyFurther post graduate training in relevant areas of psychological therapy, neuropsychology and / or audit / research

Experienceof working in a clinical setting with people who are distressed.Experience of working with clients who have varying cognitive deficits and adapting input appropriatelyComputer literate, with experience of using a range of Microsoft packages including Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and databases.Experience of working in the NHS, preferably in a health psychology departmentExperience of working with people who have had a strokeKnowledge / experience of post stroke mood screeningExperience of teaching / training other members of the MDTExperience in supporting clinical work in group settingsExperience with a variety of research and data management methodologiesExperience undertaking audit and quality improvement projectsSome knowledge of evidence based level 1 psychological interventions for people following strokeExcellent communication skills and high level interpersonal skills, written and verbalUnderstanding of basic principles of research/audit methodologyUnderstanding of research/audit applicationsAbility to collect clinical data and maintain clinical records Working knowledge of the NHSKnowledge of the clinical governance frameworkDemonstrable excellent communication, interpersonal and social skillsEfficient and well organisedDemonstrable ability to work in a teamDemonstrable ability to work autonomously (eg problem solve)Demonstrable ability to produce and follow documentation and proceduresAbility to withstand exposure to distressing environmentsMobile to meet the requirements of the postMain DutiesClinicalWith the support and supervision of the qualified Clinical Psychologist clinical duties will include:Organisation and administration of mood screening programmeCompletion of cognitive screening assessments including the use of psychometric assessmentsDelivery of level one psychological therapy and cognitive rehabilitation to individuals who have had a stroke and their familiesDevelopment, delivery, and co-ordination of specialist psychological group work for patients following stroke and their families at the rehabilitation end of the pathway (The Vale Hospital, Dursley)To perform other duties, appropriate to the grade, that may be required by the supervising Clinical Psychologist

These duties and responsibilities will be regularly reviewed with the post holder and changes may be agreed over time.

Professional and SupervisionTo receive regular clinical supervision in line with professional practice guidelinesTo adhere to any professional guidance from the British Psychological Society, Department of Health, and the Trust, with particular reference to: informed consent, note-taking, confidentiality, information sharing and safeguarding.To engage with the appraisal process, continuing professional development, essential training and clinical supervision, as required by the Trust and the HCPC.To attend and actively participate in professional and clinical specialty meetings, and to keep the team updated with key issues, updates, developments, and risks.

Physical effort and working conditionsJob requires sitting in restricted physical position, providing an appropriate and supportive posture for substantial and prolonged periods of time during clinical interviews, assessment, treatment and supervision sessions.

Frequent requirement for multi-tasking during assessment e.g. attending to and assessing both the content of the clients responses and their non-verbal behaviour, levels of attention, concentration etc.

Job requires frequent exposure to highly distressing and/or highly emotional circumstances.

Work effectively and professionally with patients and family members who may become stressed or distressed, while maintaining emotional resilience.

Maintain a positive and compassionate attitude.

Create a friendly, professional and welcoming environment to all clients, colleagues and visitors across all aspects of the post.

Job involves occasional exposure to unpleasant working conditions (e.g.body fluids, noxious odours, verbal aggression).

Job requires application of computer keyboard and IT skills.

Frequent use of computers/ VDU equipment for long periods of time.

Job requires ability to access different bases including Cheltenham General Hospital, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, and The Vale Hospital Dursley.

Work in areas where infection control policies must be observed.

General ConditionsIn the course of your employment, you may have access to, see or hear confidential information concerning the medical or personal affairs of patients and or staff. Unless acting on the instruction of an authorised officer, on no account must such information be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duties. Breaches of confidence, including improper passing of registered computer data, will result in disciplinary action, which may lead to dismissal. You should be aware that regardless of any action taken by your employing authority, a breach of confidence could result in a civil action for damages.In addition, records, including VDU screens and computer printouts of registered data must never be left in such a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them. Written records must either be destroyed or retained in safe custody when no longer required, VDU screens should always be cleared when unattended.Terms and Conditions of ServiceThe principle terms and conditions of your appointment will be those set out in the Agenda for Change national agreement as amended from time to time by the NHS Staff Council. These terms and conditions are set out in the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook, which is available on the Trusts intranet and NHS Employers web site.

Health and SafetyIt is the duty of every employee to work in such a way that accidents to themselves and to others are avoided, and to co-operate in maintaining their place of work in a tidy and safe condition, thereby minimising risk. Employees will, therefore, refer any matters of concern through their respective line managers.Compliance with all infection control policies and procedures will form an integral part of the practice of all staff working in a clinical environment. Each staff member will be responsible for familiarising themselves with the Infection Control Manual in the clinical areas and on the Trusts Intranet site. Staff must keep up to date with new policies and subsequent implementation in practice.Data QualityAs part of your employment you may be required to record Patient Information (computerised or on paper). You have a responsibility to ensure that information is entered accurately, completely and consistently. It is particularly important that patients demographic details are kept up to date. Problems should be reported to your manager.

No Smoking PolicyGloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates a no smoking policy. Smoking is not permitted anywhere within the buildings and grounds of all Trust sites. These restrictions include all areas up to the boundaries of all sites.

Job ShareAs part of its commitment to Equal Opportunities in employment, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a policy on Job Sharing. Under this policy all posts, unless exempted, are open to Job Share.

NBThis job description is not intended to form part of the contract of employment or to be a complete list of duties and responsibilities, but is a good guide for information to the job. It will be periodically reviewed in the light of developing work requirements in the department.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent training or qualifications
  • Eligibility on graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Socie
  • Desirable

  • Further post graduate training in relevant areas of psychological therapy, neuropsychology and / or audit / research
  • Experience

    Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical setting with people who are distressed
  • Experience of working with clients who have varying cognitive deficits and adapting input appropriately
  • Computer literate, with experience of using a range of Microsoft packages including Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and databases.
  • Desirable

  • Experience of working with people who have had a stroke
  • Knowledge / experience of post stroke mood screening
  • Knowledge/Skills

    Essential

  • Ability to collect clinical data and maintain clinical records
  • Excellent communication skills and high level interpersonal skills, written and verbal
  • Understanding of basic principles of research/audit methodology
  • Desirable

  • Some knowledge of evidence based level 1 psychological interventions for people following a stroke
  • Working knowledge of the NHS
  • Person Specification

    Qualifications

    Essential

  • Honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent training or qualifications
  • Eligibility on graduate basis for chartered membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Socie
  • Desirable

  • Further post graduate training in relevant areas of psychological therapy, neuropsychology and / or audit / research
  • Experience

    Essential

  • Experience of working in a clinical setting with people who are distressed
  • Experience of working with clients who have varying cognitive deficits and adapting input appropriately
  • Computer literate, with experience of using a range of Microsoft packages including Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and databases.
  • Desirable

  • Experience of working with people who have had a stroke
  • Knowledge / experience of post stroke mood screening
  • Knowledge/Skills

    Essential

  • Ability to collect clinical data and maintain clinical records
  • Excellent communication skills and high level interpersonal skills, written and verbal
  • Understanding of basic principles of research/audit methodology
  • Desirable

  • Some knowledge of evidence based level 1 psychological interventions for people following a stroke
  • Working knowledge of the NHS