Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
NHS Somerset Talking Therapies is looking for passionate and motivated individuals to train as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) within our service. Successful applicants will need to have developed good interpersonal skills, have experience of working in a mental health environment and have completed the relevant level of study.
These are permanent contracts which will be offered as an initial training to qualification on either PG Cert/Grad Cert Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on a Band 4 job description and pay scale. Upon completion of training and obtaining PWP registration, you will move to a Band 5 PWP job description and pay scale.
Post holders will study with Exeter University alongside working in-service offering interventions for depression and anxiety. You must be available on all the advertised training days (see attached timetable - the course requires 100% attendance) and attend work within the service otherwise.
This year we are able to offer a mixture of full time and part time options (part time hours minimum is 22.5 hours per week)
Please note that this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received.
This vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements, therefore SFT would not be able to support or issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
Main duties of the job
In your role as a Trainee PWP, you will be trained to provide evidence based low‑intensity CBT interventions to our patients with low mood and anxiety through a variety of deliveries such as telephone, face to face, online and to support our busy course programme. There are opportunities to be involved in service development initiatives such as Computerised CBT (group webinars & online guided self‑help) and expanding Long Term Conditions (LTC) partnerships.
What can we offer you:
* A supportive preceptorship programme in place for when you qualify
* First year PWP registration fees paid for
* The chance to join a friendly and supportive Talking Therapies service with a strong focus on PWP wellbeing
* Development opportunities - potential to train as a Supervisor and move into management roles in the future
* The chance to join a service with consistently high recovery rates, great staff survey results and no internal waiting lists at Step 2
* CPD Opportunities such as Long Term Conditions (LTC) training
* Opportunity to progress into Champion Roles
* Part face to face / remote working
* Excellent NHS benefits including great pension and annual leave entitlement
About us
Somerset NHS Talking Therapies is a busy Countywide Talking Therapies Service that is made up of 4 teams across Somerset. We are passionate about improving access to psychological therapies and pride ourselves on our clinical model that focuses on delivering high‑quality care. We offer the opportunity to make a difference to the wellbeing of a diverse population and to work amidst supportive and friendly colleagues and dependable managerial and clinical leaders.
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
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
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.
Job responsibilities
Provide a range of information, signposting and support via evidence based, high volume, low‑intensity psychological treatments. This support may be offered by telephone, online, face‑to‑face or via group based interventions.
Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.
Assess and support people with a common mental health problem in the self‑management of their recovery.
Undertake patient‑centred assessments which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and/or recovery and make an accurate assessment of risk to self and others.
Make decisions on the suitability of new referrals, adhering to the service's referral protocols, refer unsuitable clients on to a more relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or 'step‑up' the person's treatment to high intensity psychological therapy, following the service's stepped care model.
Ability to adapt materials for those with additional learning or cultural needs.
Educate and involve family members, carers and others in treatment as necessary.
Potential for progression to Band 5 upon training course completion & obtaining registration.
For more details and further information about the role, please see the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills can apply to this post.
Exeter University: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/subjects/psychology/low-intensity-cognitive-behavioural-therapy/#entry-requirements
You will need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria, Qualification certification will be required and you must be a UK resident or hold the right to remain / work in the UK - which has been held for the past 3 years prior to enrolment. The course requires 100% attendance - please check the course timetable attached.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Undergraduate degree or evidence of previous successful study at Regulated Qualifications Framework Levels 5 or 6
* Evidence of qualification certification required
* Must not have completed another HEE funded psychological professions training course in the last 2 years
Experience
* Demonstrate an understanding of anxiety and depression and how they present in Primary Care
* Able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact frequent exposure to distressing circumstances has on care and compassion
* Commonly, one year of working experience in settings with high exposure to people with mental health difficulties which can include voluntary work or expertise gained by experience of mental health problems
* Experience of assessing and managing patient safety within scope of practise
* Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training
* Able to write clear reports and letters
* Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
* Listen to others' views, respecting and valuing individual needs
* Professional and patient‑focused approach with inspirational skills, acting as a role model to colleagues and junior staff members
* Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner
* Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively as part of a team
* Able to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records as appropriate
* High level of enthusiasm and motivation
* Able to work within a team and foster good working relationships
* Able to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
* Able to work under pressure
* Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
* Able to be self‑reflective, whilst working with service users within own personal and professional development and in supervision
* Compassionate – exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives (as appropriate), remaining sensitive and empathic
* Intuitive and caring nature
* Act in ways that support equality and diversity
* Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language
* Advanced communication skills
* High standards of written communication skills with the ability to use email and internet
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
* Flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of the patients
* Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage own time and caseload, and plan timed activities
* Demonstrate a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
* Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems
* Demonstrate an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how they relate to this post
* Experience of running courses and/or training
* Experience of working in Primary Care Services
* Experience in a service where agreed targets are in place to demonstrate clinical outcomes
* Fluent in languages other than English
Additional Criteria
* Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patient
* Access to a private car and ability to drive across the county to attend meetings or to any designated venue within the locality to provide treatment or run courses
* Postholder must work one evening shift. This is currently a Wednesday but may be subject to change
* Ability to work/study from home or other venue as required via telephone/video call
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.
£28,392 to £31,157 a year Band 5 perm role upon passing course and prof registration
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