Job summary
We are excited to offer a number of training roles within NHS Talking Therapies (previously known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT)). As a trainee you will work within the NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies service providing high intensity interventions whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role. This intensive training post will equip you to provide a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) service to clients with a range of complex problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.
About you/you will have:
1. Core profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). Please seefor a list of core professions OR
2. Relevant professional background with experience which meets the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio criteria, please refer tofor details
3. If you are a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) or similar Health Education England (HEE)/NHS-England (NHSE) funded professional, you will have two years post-qualification experience (from the date on your PWP, or similar, certificate)
Main duties of the job
Main duties of the job
4. Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post.
5. Apply learning from the training programme in practice.
6. Receive supervision from educational providers in relation to course work to meet the required standards.
7. Assess clients for suitability for CBT. Where the problems appear to be too complex or severe to be appropriate for a trainee therapist, they will refer to manager/supervisor for advice on how to manage the case.
8. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
9. Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.
10. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies ( British Psychological Society,UK Council for Psychotherapy, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health ( NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence).
11. Apply for BABCP accreditation within 4 weeks of results being ratified by the university.
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust isa specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire.
We value diversity and are proud to be a Stonewall Top 100 Employer.We work hard to create an inclusive environment where you'll be supported by friendly and professional colleagues to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare:
12. Caring for and about you is our top priority
13. Committed to providing good quality, safe services
14. Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
We welcome people who share these values to come and work for us.
Benefits of working for us include:
15. Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
16. 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
17. Generous NHS pension scheme
18. Excellent learning and career development opportunities
19. 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme
20. Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
21. Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
22. Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities and armed forces community to support equality
23. Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
24. Free parking across Trust sites
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will work in the service for three days of the week using your newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme for the other two days. The course start date will be 17th September 2024 with a service start date w/c 9th September 2024. This cohort will be attending University of Reading in person for their training days and will be expected to work from their work base one day a week. The rest of your working days will be completed remotely from home.
Work base:
This post is for positions within EAST and WEST Berkshire. For EAST Berkshire your work base will be in either Bracknell, Maidenhead or Slough. For WEST Berkshire your work base will be in Newbury, Reading or Wokingham. Please let us know in your supporting statement which would be your preferred location.
Before making your application please read the further information sheet attached. Previous applicants need not apply.
Working pattern + Service operating hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am 8pm and Friday 8am 5pm. You will work 3 days a week in the service. Upon qualification 1 of your working days will be a late shift (12-8pm).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The 3 must haves for you to be considered for this role:
25. Relevant Honours Degree ( psychology, mental health, etc.) graded at or above
26. Core profession as defined by the BABCP. Please seeBABCP | British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapiesfor a list of core professions and parts of KSA for identified professions. Please see:Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (
OR
Two years post-qualification experience as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (from date on certificate) (E)
AND ability to be able to complete the relevant sections of KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio prior to entry onto the programmeKnowledge Skills and Attitudes (
OR
A relevant professional background and experience which meets the KSA criteria (see declaration on application form)Knowledge Skills and Attitudes ( AND ability to be able to complete a full KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio prior to entry onto the programme.
27. Demonstrable experience of working with clients suffering with common mental health problems
If you recognise yourself in these requirements, we invite you apply today! We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and different experiences or those who speak additional languages fluently.
We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please dont hesitate to email Rachael Hedges at wholl be delighted to help.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
28. Relevant Honours Degree ( psychology, mental health, etc.) graded at or above If a candidate has a core profession (see qualifications/training) but does not have an Honours degree or has an award of or below, they will be asked to provide evidence of successful study at Level 6 or equivalent and be required to pass a pre-entry essay, marked at Masters level prior to acceptance on the training programme
Qualifications/Training
Essential
29. A. Core profession as defined by the BABCP. Please see Core Professions ( for a list of core professions and parts of KSA for identified professions. Please see: Knowledge Skills and Attitudes ( OR B. Two years post-qualification experience as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (E) AND ability to be able to complete the relevant sections of KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio prior to entry onto the programme Knowledge Skills and Attitudes ( OR C. A relevant professional background and experience which meets the KSA criteria (see declaration on application form) Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (
30. AND ability to be able to complete a full KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio prior to entry onto the programme:
Previous Experience
Essential
31. Demonstrable experience of working with clients suffering with common mental health problems.
32. Demonstrates high standards in written communication
33. Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
Desirable
34. Experience of working in Primary Care Services
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential
35. Computer literate
36. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Additional Requirements
Essential
37. To work flexibly within and outside of office hours
38. Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
39. Able to attend a two day per week course and three days per week in the service for the duration of the training
40. Able to complete academic components of the course