Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an 8a (or Preceptorship Band 7) Psychologist to join the Basildon Stroke Acute team. We welcome applications from psychologists who are newly qualified, as well as from those with more experience. The post holder will work within an Acute MDT working with individuals and families post stroke on the ward and in a small outpatient clinic.



The postholder will also engage with the community stroke teams in the local pathway to provide seamless care for individuals and families.



The post will be based on the acute stroke unit in Basildon and will work closely with the Southend Hospital Acute Psychology team.



The stroke psychology service provides neuro/psychological assessment, one-to-one and group interventions for individuals who have experienced stroke and their families, alongside collaborative work with our MDT teams in joint sessions, consultation and training. Therefore, knowledge and skill in psychological therapy and neuropsychological approaches are fundamental to this post. This will be supported through supervision from a Principal Psychologist and peer relationships in other stroke services in the Trust and colleagues in the wider Clinical Health Services. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring high quality care is delivered in a timely manner in line with client needs, our wider services and national guidance.



In Clinical Health Psychology Services (CHPS) we work in the interface between physical and mental health, which provides unique opportunities for relationship building and service development. In CHPS across Essex, peer support is encouraged and there are other services e.g. Mental Health Liaison, Long COVID, Breathlessness, where psychologists have a range of therapeutic interests; narrative therapy, systemic approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy. Collaborative working with peers is supported and has generated innovative and creative projects to date.



We acknowledge there can be commutes within Essex, and that London salaries command inner weighting. However, the Psychological Services Directorate is committed to investing in you as an individual and in your career development. EPUT highly respects and values psychological thinking and we welcome you to join our team.



EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;



Season Ticket Loans

NHS discounts for staff

Excellent Training facilities and opportunities

Buying and Selling annual leave scheme

The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas

Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work

Day One Flexible Employer



The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.



Please see the person specification and job description attached.



Professional development is important to us and we have varied CPD opportunities within the service, the wider Trust, and external opportunities. This is supported by robust supervision and appraisal structure. We want to provide staff with high quality training to meet needs and ensure that we are offering the best possible interventions to the populations we serve.



The Clinical Health Psychology Team has good relationships with local Clinical Psychology doctorate courses. The team contributes to teaching and provide placements for trainees at different stages of training. We work closely with the other psychology services in Essex and Hertfordshire and have regular meetings to provide cohesiveness and support service development as a wider Clinical Health Service. This has allowed us to develop cross specialty groups and be able to share skills and knowledge, driving our services forward.



For an informal conversation about this post please contact Dr Amy Bartlett, Head of Clinical Health Psychology on amy.bartlett4@nhs.net/07507773397.