Assistant Psychologist - Neurological Rehab Service

We are looking for an enthusiastic and well-motivated Assistant Clinical Psychologist to work within the Neurological Rehabilitation Service in East & North Hertfordshire. The post holder will work within the Community Neurorehabilitation Team. The community team is a multi-disciplinary team, comprised of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Nurses, Rehabilitation Assistants and Clinical Psychologists. The post holder will work with patients with a range of neurological presentations, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease from acute hospital and community settings and provide goal-focused rehabilitation. Theteam forms part of a wider neurological rehabilitation pathwaythat run through the Neurological Service in Hertfordshire, which includes a team of Clinical Psychologists, providing opportunities for continued professional development.

• Proposed Interview date: 2nd December 2026
HCT will prioritise recruitment of workers living in England under the new immigration rules for care workers effective from 9 April 2025. Employers must first prove that they have attempted to recruit a worker from within England who needs new sponsorship. This ensures that those who came to the UK to pursue a career in adult social care can do so. The post holder will support the Clinical Psychologist within the service with assessment and intervention work. They will be involved with audit, service-evaluation and research as opportunities arise. The post is 0.5 WTE (18.75 hours per week over 3 working days), for a fixed term contract of twelve months. The post-holder will be based at Danesbury Rehabilitation Hospital, Welwyn and will be expected to travel across the East and North of Hertfordshire.The post holder will be professionally supervised by a Clinical Psychologist. You can apply to Access to Work to get money for communication support at a job interview - please use this link for more information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-communication-support-at-a-job-interview-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-access-to-work You need to apply before the interview takes place. A big thank you for considering joining us at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust You'll find it a great place to work with many benefits offered to you as a member of our staff We put our patients, their families and carers at the centre of our vision - Outstanding Services and Healthier Communities Our staff are proud to be Caring, Pioneering and Inclusive in their work to help achieve the Trust vision We welcome diversity in our workforce and are interested in applicants from all backgrounds and ages, To undertake appropriate psychological work under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist, this may include any of the following: 1. To undertake protocol based psychological assessments of patients' mood and cognition applying psychological measures, including psychometric assessments, self-report measures, rating scales, direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews with patients, family members and others involved in the patient's care. 2. To assist in the formulation and delivery of intervention plans involving the psychological treatment and/or management of a patient's problems, under the supervision of a Clinical Psychologist. 3. To assist in the development of a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of all patients of the service, across all settings where care takes place. 4. To assist in the co-ordination and running of intervention groups, if appropriate. 5. To prepare test materials and visual/communication aids as required. 6. To perform other duties, appropriate to their grade, that may be required from time to time by the supervising Clinical Psychologist. 7. To work flexibly but in a responsive manner to patient needs as agreed with the supervising Clinical Psychologist and in discussion with the relevant Manager. Team Work 1. To develop and maintain good working relationships with other staff within the service with the primary purpose of sharing relevant information, facilitating patient care planning and promoting optimal service delivery. 2. To attend and contribute to appropriate team and multidiscipline meetings. 3. To be an integrated member of the multi-disciplinary team. 4. To contribute to a psychologically based framework of understanding and care to the benefit of patients of the service across all settings and agencies serving the patient group. Supervision 1. In common with all Assistant Psychologists, to receive regular clinical supervision, in accordance with professional practice guidelines. 2. To have regular meetings with the supervising Clinical Psychologist in relation to day-to-day management. 3. To gain wider experience of professional psychology within the NHS over and above that provided within the principle service areas where the post holder is employed. 4. To develop the skills and competencies that assist in the delivery of current duties. 5. To attend induction in HCT so as to become familiar with the policies, guidelines and culture of the organisation. 6. To contribute to the development and maintenance of professional standards through active participation in internal and external CPD training and development programmes in consultation with the supervising Clinical Psychologist., 6. To develop and maintain good working relationships with other staff in the stroke wards, Hertfordshire Neurological Services, Hertfordshire Health and Community Services, relevant charities (such as Age UK) and acute stroke services with the purpose of facilitating patient care planning and dissemination of relevant information and to promote service delivery and planning with colleagues. Research and service evaluation 1. To utilise theory and evidence-based literature and scientific research to support evidence-based practice in clinical work, group and family work and work with other team members. 2. Where appropriate, to undertake research and provide research advice to other staff undertaking research and audit-based activity, with reference to local and national research priorities. 3. Where appropriate, disseminate research / service evaluation findings in high quality academic and professional journals. 4. To undertake project management, including complex audit and service evaluation, with colleagues within the service to help develop service provision.

1. To be able to communicate with a range of people on a range of matters in a form that is appropriate to them and the situation. This will include communication with individuals with cognitive and communication impairments and will involve communication with people about difficult and sensitive matters. 2. To be able to communicate effectively using a range of skills to manage barriers to effective communication and adhere to information requirements relating to current legislation, policies and procedures. 3. To communicate in a highly skilled and sensitive manner, information concerning the assessment, formulation and treatment plans of patients under their care and to monitor progress and evaluate outcomes of psychological interventions during the course of both uni- and multi-disciplinary care. 4. To convey complex, sensitive and potentially contentious information and concepts using language that is meaningful to the recipient i.e. non-technical, culturally appropriate, jargon free, clear and concise. 5. To motivate / negotiate with patients to change their lifestyle / behaviour by the application of psychological knowledge about behaviour change and motivation using clinical skills in engagement and motivation.