Job summary Providing specialist psychological assessment and treatment of patients in the stroke service To provide expert consultation around the most complex clients that we provide a service to. A psychological understanding of patients' needs is highly valued in the service. To undertake consultation, teaching, research and development activity as a key component of the role. To contribute to psychological aspects of policy and service development within stroke and neurological rehabilitation. The post holder will demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the training and development of Clinical Psychology within the specialty by hosting placements for Trainee Clinical Psychologists. There are also good links with specialist clinicians within the department of neurosciences and the opportunity to link with psychology colleagues working across other specialisms. The post holder will have an interest and enthusiasm for working with people with long term conditions and understanding the specific challenges faced by this patient group. They will be resilient, confident and well organised and able to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds. They will be able to integrate information from a range of sources and provide practical and psychologically-informed advice and support to staff, service users, their families and carers. The post holder will provide leadership on issues of discrimination and inequalities that people with neurodisability may face. Main duties of the job To provide a high quality specialist Clinical Psychology/Neuropsychology service to adults with stroke in community settings. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 16 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8b Salary £62,215 to £72,293 a year Contract Fixed term Duration 9 months Working pattern Part-time Reference number 184-OL-BL-1709 Job locations Williton Community Hospital North Road Williton Somerset TA4 4RA Job description Job responsibilities The person will lead on the development of a psychological therapy pathway for stroke and neurological rehabilitation services, with an emphasis on both individual and group based interventions and life after stroke support. This role is ideal for someone looking to lead in an exciting area of practice with a willingness to put forward creative ideas for how we can develop and improve our services. To lead on the delivery of specialist clinical supervision for psychological therapy interventions provided by Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists and pre-qualification psychologists within stroke and neurological rehabilitation services. This role is supported by an Assistant Psychologist for whom the post holder has responsibility for clinical supervision and line management They will also be able to provide expert consultation around the most complex clients that we provide a service to. A psychological understanding of patients' needs is highly valued in the service. To undertake consultation, teaching, research and development activity as a key component of the role. To contribute to psychological aspects of policy and service development within stroke and neurological rehabilitation. The post holder will demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the training and development of Clinical Psychology within the specialty by hosting placements for Trainee Clinical Psychologists. There are also good links with specialist clinicians within the department of neurosciences and the opportunity to link with psychology colleagues working across other specialisms. The post holder will have an interest and enthusiasm for working with people with long term conditions and understanding the specific challenges faced by this patient group. They will be resilient, confident and well organised and able to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds. They will be able to integrate information from a range of sources and provide practical and psychologically-informed advice and support to staff, service users, their families and carers. The post holder will provide leadership on issues of discrimination and inequalities that people with neurodisability may face. Job description Job responsibilities The person will lead on the development of a psychological therapy pathway for stroke and neurological rehabilitation services, with an emphasis on both individual and group based interventions and life after stroke support. This role is ideal for someone looking to lead in an exciting area of practice with a willingness to put forward creative ideas for how we can develop and improve our services. To lead on the delivery of specialist clinical supervision for psychological therapy interventions provided by Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists and pre-qualification psychologists within stroke and neurological rehabilitation services. This role is supported by an Assistant Psychologist for whom the post holder has responsibility for clinical supervision and line management They will also be able to provide expert consultation around the most complex clients that we provide a service to. A psychological understanding of patients' needs is highly valued in the service. To undertake consultation, teaching, research and development activity as a key component of the role. To contribute to psychological aspects of policy and service development within stroke and neurological rehabilitation. The post holder will demonstrate enthusiasm and energy for the training and development of Clinical Psychology within the specialty by hosting placements for Trainee Clinical Psychologists. There are also good links with specialist clinicians within the department of neurosciences and the opportunity to link with psychology colleagues working across other specialisms. The post holder will have an interest and enthusiasm for working with people with long term conditions and understanding the specific challenges faced by this patient group. They will be resilient, confident and well organised and able to communicate effectively with people from a range of backgrounds. They will be able to integrate information from a range of sources and provide practical and psychologically-informed advice and support to staff, service users, their families and carers. The post holder will provide leadership on issues of discrimination and inequalities that people with neurodisability may face. Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc/BA Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology. Post-Graduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Eligible for registration as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist by the BPS. Professional accreditation in at least one professional recognised model of therapy. The model of therapy to be able to formulate problems in early life/ relationship and link these to problematic patterns in current day-to-day life. Post qualification training/ experience in specific evidence based techniques for use with patients with complex psychological presentations. Post-Doctoral additional psychological areas of psychological practice. Desirable Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology and registration on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Experience Essential Substantive experience of working as a qualified Clinical Psychologist within mental health or neurological rehabilitation services. Experience of working psychologically with a wide variety of patient groups, across the life span presenting with highly complex need across a range of care settings including outpatient, community, in-patient and residential care settings including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical abuse. Clinical and audit work in mental health or neurological rehabilitation services. Consultancy experience in a range of settings. Experience of teaching and training of qualified and pre-qualified Clinical Psychologists and/or professional non-psychological staff. Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for the application of multi-theoretical psychological assessment, intervention and evaluation across a range of common and highly complex mental health needs within the defined service area (including organic illness and functional mental health difficulties) Experience of multidisciplinary/ multi-agency working Therapeutic expertise in working with carers/ families/ couples. Experience of managing or providing professional leadership to a range of qualified and unqualified Clinical Psychology staff including recruitment, appraisal and/or clinical supervision. Desirable Research and development work in area relevant to stroke and neurological rehabilitation. Additional Criteria Essential Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients Car driver with valid driving licence and insurance Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS and HCPC. Desirable Experience of having published in either peer reviewed academic or professional journals and/or other professional publications. Person Specification Qualifications Essential BSc/BA Honours degree at 2:1 or above in Psychology. Post-Graduate Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (or its equivalent for those trained prior to 1996) as accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Eligible for registration as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist by the BPS. Professional accreditation in at least one professional recognised model of therapy. The model of therapy to be able to formulate problems in early life/ relationship and link these to problematic patterns in current day-to-day life. Post qualification training/ experience in specific evidence based techniques for use with patients with complex psychological presentations. Post-Doctoral additional psychological areas of psychological practice. Desirable Qualification in Clinical Neuropsychology and registration on the Specialist Register of Clinical Neuropsychologists. Experience Essential Substantive experience of working as a qualified Clinical Psychologist within mental health or neurological rehabilitation services. Experience of working psychologically with a wide variety of patient groups, across the life span presenting with highly complex need across a range of care settings including outpatient, community, in-patient and residential care settings including maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems, verbal abuse and the threat of physical abuse. Clinical and audit work in mental health or neurological rehabilitation services. Consultancy experience in a range of settings. Experience of teaching and training of qualified and pre-qualified Clinical Psychologists and/or professional non-psychological staff. Experience of exercising full clinical responsibility for the application of multi-theoretical psychological assessment, intervention and evaluation across a range of common and highly complex mental health needs within the defined service area (including organic illness and functional mental health difficulties) Experience of multidisciplinary/ multi-agency working Therapeutic expertise in working with carers/ families/ couples. Experience of managing or providing professional leadership to a range of qualified and unqualified Clinical Psychology staff including recruitment, appraisal and/or clinical supervision. Desirable Research and development work in area relevant to stroke and neurological rehabilitation. Additional Criteria Essential Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients Car driver with valid driving licence and insurance Evidence of continuing professional development as recommended by the BPS and HCPC. Desirable Experience of having published in either peer reviewed academic or professional journals and/or other professional publications. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Williton Community Hospital North Road Williton Somerset TA4 4RA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)