Job summary
We are looking for Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to lead the PWP provision within an integrated mental health team based at HMP Northumberland
The North East Prison service provides Step 1 and 2 therapies into HMP Northumberland, HMP Frankland, HMP and YOI Low Newton, HMP Durham, HMP Holme House, HMP Kirklevington Grange, HMYOI Deerbolt and Derwentside IRC. The service delivers evidence based talking therapies in line with the stepped care model and is part of an integrated service of healthcare called Reconnected to Health. This is led by Spectrum CIC with Humankind delivering substance misuse and Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust leading on mental health with Rethink as a partner.
Main duties of the job
You will lead theRethink Mental Illness provision within an integrated mental health team basedin HMP Northumberland. Working as part of an integrated primary care mental healthteam within the Prison to provide high volume, low intensity interventions inline with PWP guidelines which will be a range of cognitive behavioural therapy(CBT) based self-management interventions, for clients with mild to moderateanxiety and depression, modelling best practice clinically and professionally.
This includes providing guided self-help in both 1:1 and group formats, in linewith the current Step 2 IAPT guidelines. I form part of the directorate wideleadership team striving for excellence and ensuring clinically compliantservices are provided in with national frameworks and Rethink Mental Illnessvalues and behaviours. I am an accredited PWP, either with BPS or BABCP.
You will workwith the following people and teams within Rethink Mental Illness -
1. AssociateDirector for Criminal Justice and Care Navigation
2. Head CriminalJustice and Secure Care
3. Head of CareNavigation
4. PsychologicalWellbeing Practitioners
5. Counsellors
6. Senior PsychologicalWellbeing Practitioners
7. Health andWellbeing Coaches
8. Care Navigators
The team compromises a range of highly skilled professionals who work collaboratively to provide the highest quality of care for those with mental health needs within the prison and for Rethink Mental Illness employees, this is carried out between 08:00 16:00 Monday to Friday.
About us
You will work as part of an integrated care mental health team delivering Step 1 interventions, working alongside other professionals to support the mental health of the prison population. The team support people with a common mental health problem in the self-management of their recovery, building a professional relationship of trust in a non-judgmental manner with every client as a basis for developing and enabling therapeutic relationships. This ranges from providing informal information, support, and signposting, facilitating group activities and forums, to developing and training Peer Mentors and delivering service user engagement activities. You will work alongside the other staff in the mental health team to deliver high quality, mental health support during an individuals time in prison and in onward planning for their release into the community.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity and thats why equity is one of our core draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people regardless of who they are or their background to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
Job description
Job responsibilities
I acceptreferrals via agreed protocols within the service. I make decisions on suitability of newreferrals, adhering to referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on tothe relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary; or steps-upthe persons treatment to high intensity.
Assess andsupport people with mental health problems in the self-management of theirrecovery.
I undertakeperson-centred interviews identifying areas where the person wishes to seechange and or recovery and make an accurate assessment of risk to self andothers.
Provideassessment and Low intensity interventions, psycho-educationalinterventions, Guided Self Help, drawing from CBT theories and techniques.
Implement andsupport a range of evidence-based interventions utilising a self-managementmodel of mental health care.
Attendmulti-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment.
Work closelywith other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-downarrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.
I ensure thatclient confidentiality is protected at all times.
I record andevaluate `outcome measures` as part of the ongoing therapy process
I ensure theaccurate entry of clinical data onto agreed systems, maintaining the higheststandards of clinical record keeping.
To work inpartnership with other disciplines and to maintain links with statutory andnon-statutory agencies as appropriate, in relation to continuing care onrelease from prison.
Adhereto an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contactsoffered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimisewaiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
I support the collation ofmonthly performance data for service management team.
I will communicate effectivelywith patients, stakeholders, colleagues, and relevant professionals, both inverbal and written form
I will have an open andtransparent attitude to work, utilizing all elements of supervisionappropriately
I uphold the values of RethinkMental Illness at all times and represent the best interests of the company inall I do
Iam prepared to provide contingency cover to other prisons if required
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
9. Successfully completed academic course of study in line with the IAPT Low Intensity National Programme and qualified as a PWP,, Post Grad Diploma in Psychological Therapies.
Desirable
10. Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or within a psychological therapy.
Experience
Essential
11. Post-qualification experience in offering and delivering the full range of evidence based IAPT low intensity interventions at Step 2.
12. Evidence of working within a stepped care service with people who have experienced a mental health problem delivering and demonstrating recovery outcomes.
13. Knowledge of assessment procedures, screening, referral, record-keeping, and evidence-based brief psychological interventions.
14. Demonstrates an understanding use of evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post.
15. Ability to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients and practice in a non-discriminatory manner, respecting the beliefs and cultural practices of individuals and groups.
16. Operates at all times from an inclusive values base which promotes recovery and recognises and respects diversity.
17. Experience of using clinical outcome measures to inform practice.
18. Confident communicator with excellent verbal and written skills.
19. Working knowledge of standard IT packages including Microsoft Word, Excel, and use of database / information systems.
20. Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and be self-reflective in own personal and professional development.
Desirable
21. Experience working in a prison environment or experience of working with offenders.
22. Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems.
23. Knowledge / relevant experience in other therapy modalities that are relevant to practice as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (, solution focused therapy, supervision training).
24. I am able to prioritise workload demands and positively respond to unforeseen challenges.
25. I deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner.
26. Ability to utilise continued professional development, in collaboration with supervisor and line manager to ensure work remains at the highest possible standard.