Assistant Psychologist

About the service

The Brentwood Community Stroke Service delivers coordinated, multidisciplinary rehabilitation and assessment support to people within the first year after a stroke. The team helps manage the stroke pathway from acute admission through to community-based care, and provides guidance, emotional support, and signposting for patients, relatives, and carers.

The service aims to give every stroke patient timely, consistent access to specialist input. Care is shaped around individual needs, with planned follow-up at six weeks, six months, and one year after the stroke. The team works closely with acute providers, community health services, long-term support organisations, and third sector partners.

About the role

An opportunity is available for a motivated Assistant Psychologist to join a skilled stroke team based at Brentwood Community Hospital and working across Brentwood, Basildon, and Orsett. The role sits within Band 5 and includes regular supervision from an experienced Principal Clinical Psychologist with a neuropsychology focus.

You will work alongside a multidisciplinary group that includes Clinical Nurse Specialists, Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians, Social Workers, Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists. You will also be connected to a wider neuropsychology network across the trust through monthly cross-service meetings.

Key duties

• Carry out cognitive and psychological assessments, formulation, and intervention work under supervision.
• Support the triage of referrals into the stroke service.
• Stay current with developments in psychology, stroke care, and psychological therapies to maintain a high standard of practice.
• Contribute to team-based service development initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records and information required for audit and trust reporting.
• Follow trust policies, protocols, and procedures in day-to-day work.

Induction and joining information

New starters join the trust on the first Monday of each month and complete a structured induction lasting up to two weeks. This includes mandatory training, systems training, equipment allocation, and opportunities to meet senior leaders, the executive team, and colleagues at drop-in sessions focused on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key processes. The induction takes place at Goodmayes Hospital in Essex.

Probation

This position is subject to a probationary period. Internal candidates are exempt unless they are already partway through a probationary period or are currently bank staff.

High cost area supplement

The role attracts a Fringe High Cost Area Supplement for Basildon, Thurrock, Brentwood, Harlow, and Dartford. This is paid at 5% of basic salary, with a minimum of £1,303 and a maximum of £2,198 per year pro rata for part-time employment.

Working environment

Joining the organisation means becoming part of a welcoming and supportive workplace. The trust is CQC rated Good and is working towards an Outstanding rating. It operates across North East London and Essex, delivering community and mental healthcare services for adults and children.

The organisation also promotes equality, diversity, staff wellbeing, and professional development. It is a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, has been named in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and holds Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Staff networks and training opportunities are used to support an inclusive and compassionate culture.