Job summary 37.5 hours per week. NHS Plymouth Talking Therapies are recruiting a number of full-time Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP) to join our service. We offer a range of evidence based treatments for depression and anxiety within our multi-disciplinary team operating within a stepped care model. PWPs complete assessments of common mental health problems and deliver low intensity CBT using our computerised CBT programme, delivery of psycho-educational courses and community workshops and through one-to-one guided self help. You will work in our service whilst completing the PG Cert/Grad Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at Exeter University and upon qualification will be supported to become accredited PWPs. Upon successful completion of the course and accreditation, trainees will secure a band 5 post within the service and we are proud to offer a range of further development and training opportunities to qualified PWPs. Interviews will be held 29th Nov and 2nd Dec. Successful applicants will be in post by end of Feb 2025. Review the University timetable to ensure you can attend all dates & review the university website for more info. This role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Please note that we may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. All staff are expected to be able and willing to work across a 7 day service. Main duties of the job Trainee PWPs will develop skills in providing assessment and low Intensity CBT interventions, using the principles of guided self-help in line with the NICE-recommended stepped care model, this includes computerised CBT, psychoeducational courses and individual sessions. We work in partnership with primary and secondary care services, including GPs and in collaboration with the Mental Health Framework. Applicants should have a good understanding of the NHS Talking Therapies programme, be flexible and adaptable to change. The post-holder will work within the Talking Therapies service providing high volume low intensity treatment using a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based interventions to patients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The post holder will work with people with from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and ages and should be committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Our Trainee PWP role includes on the job training provided by Exeter University which is delivered in person and online. They also work in service gaining experience relevant to the PWP role whilst training. Successful completion of this course is required to maintain employment as a Band 5 PWP. Successful applicants must be available for interview with NHS Plymouth Talking Therapies the in December, this may be alongside Exeter University. The training will start in March 2025 and you must not be enrolled on another course. About us Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs. As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values,kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve. We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives. We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation. Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert. Date posted 07 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year pa, pro-rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number B9832-2024-SP-1052-2 Job locations Plymouth Community Healthcare C I C 73 Exeter Street Plymouth PL4 0AH Job description Job responsibilities MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. CLINICAL 1.1. Under supervision and with support delivers low intensity treatments to patients with mild to moderate presentations of anxiety and depression 1.2. Proactive in identifying learning opportunities as a trainee PWP within service, utilises available support and resources. 1.3. Assess and support people with a common mental health problems in the self-management of their recovery. 1.4. Undertakes patient centered assessments which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others. 1.5. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, and refer clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or step up the persons treatment to high intensity in conjunction with clinical supervision. 1.6. Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high volume low intensity psychological treatments. This may include guided self help, computerised CBT, information about pharmacological treatments. This work may be face to face, telephone or via video call. 1.7. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary and appropriate. 1.8. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of patient contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient. 1.9. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or patients in treatment, where appropriate. 1.10. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. 1.11. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity and patient contact in line with service protocols 1.12. 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. 1.13. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process 1.14. Develop risk assessment skills to support patients access the appropriate and safe level of support. 2. PROFESSIONAL 2.1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health (e.g NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence). 2.2. Ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times. 2.3. Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in the modalities of treatment for common mental health problems. 2.4. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with supervisors and/or line managers on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development. 2.5. Attend clinical / managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with Manager. 2.6. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. 2.7. Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments. 2.8. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives. 2.9. To attend 100% of the PWP training programme provided by Exeter University and to complete the components of the course as set out by the University. 3. GENERAL 3.1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service. 3.2. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health and Primary Care Services. 3.3. All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients and the general public. Work to relevant codes of conduct and become an accredited PWP on course completion. 3.4. All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Security and Confidentiality Policies. 3.5. It is the responsibility of all staff that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. 3.6. This Job Description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in light of service development. Job description Job responsibilities MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. CLINICAL 1.1. Under supervision and with support delivers low intensity treatments to patients with mild to moderate presentations of anxiety and depression 1.2. Proactive in identifying learning opportunities as a trainee PWP within service, utilises available support and resources. 1.3. Assess and support people with a common mental health problems in the self-management of their recovery. 1.4. Undertakes patient centered assessments which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others. 1.5. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, and refer clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or step up the persons treatment to high intensity in conjunction with clinical supervision. 1.6. Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high volume low intensity psychological treatments. This may include guided self help, computerised CBT, information about pharmacological treatments. This work may be face to face, telephone or via video call. 1.7. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary and appropriate. 1.8. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of patient contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient. 1.9. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or patients in treatment, where appropriate. 1.10. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. 1.11. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity and patient contact in line with service protocols 1.12. 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. 1.13. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process 1.14. Develop risk assessment skills to support patients access the appropriate and safe level of support. 2. PROFESSIONAL 2.1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health (e.g NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence). 2.2. Ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times. 2.3. Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in the modalities of treatment for common mental health problems. 2.4. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with supervisors and/or line managers on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development. 2.5. Attend clinical / managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with Manager. 2.6. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives. 2.7. Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments. 2.8. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives. 2.9. To attend 100% of the PWP training programme provided by Exeter University and to complete the components of the course as set out by the University. 3. GENERAL 3.1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service. 3.2. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health and Primary Care Services. 3.3. All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients and the general public. Work to relevant codes of conduct and become an accredited PWP on course completion. 3.4. All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Security and Confidentiality Policies. 3.5. It is the responsibility of all staff that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties. 3.6. This Job Description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in light of service development. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Have studied to an academic standard of a level 5 qualification (Please see person spec document for details). Due to HEE funding for this post, you must not be enrolled on any other academic/training course upon commencement of this post or have been enrolled onto another HEE funded course in the last two years (Please see person spec document for details). Desirable Psychology Degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy Received training (either formal or through experience) and completed risk assessments within scope of practice Skills Essential Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including virtual platforms and telephone skills. Ability to integrate information; make evaluations formulations and decisions. Competent and confident in working with standard Microsoft packages, demonstrates ability to learn and adapt to new IT packages/systems. Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with patients and good interpersonal skills always demonstrating empathy and professionalism. For instance, communicating supportively and constructively with people who may be distressed and manage difficult conversations. Good diary management and ability to manage own workload/caseload and demonstrate time management skills. Work within a team, build good working relationships and able to seek or provide support with a solution focus. Good personal skills to maintain wellbeing whilst working under pressure and meeting demands of academic study to this level at the same time. Desirable Demonstrate the ability to maintain professional boundaries with vulnerable people Fluent in languages other than English Other Essential Ability to attend course at Exeter University (delivered in person and online) two days a week either by your own vehicle or public transport. Please review attached timetable and confirm ability to attend all dates. Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout Plymouth. Ability to tolerate change and ambiguity and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery contexts. Ability to meet academic deadlines and complete and provide recordings of your clinical practice as part of your training and ongoing professional development. On commencement of post: membership, and once eligible, Registration with either the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or British Psychological Society (BPS) will be required. Knowledge Essential Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care. Understanding of the role of supervision in clinical practice. Ability to be self-reflective, whilst working with patients, in own personal and professional development and in supervision Knowledge and/or experience of how marginalisation can impact on mental health problems and what barriers there may be for marginalised communities and how marginalisation may impact presentation within mental health services. With a commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and continued development of understanding how marginalisation impacts people. Desirable Demonstrates an understanding of how mental health difficulties can impact on other areas (ie. work) and similarly how unemployment, financial difficulties and familial stress etc can impact on mental health. Knowledge of medication used in treatment of anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post. Experience Essential A minimum of 1-year working with people who have suffered with a mental health problem. Voluntary work or expertise gained by lived experience will be considered. Ability to integrate training and theory into practice Demonstrates high standards in written communication. Desirable Experience of working in Primary Care Services Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes. Experience of writing and maintaining professional or clinical notes and communicating with patients and other health professionals by letters or reports Evidence of community-based working Person Specification Qualifications Essential Have studied to an academic standard of a level 5 qualification (Please see person spec document for details). Due to HEE funding for this post, you must not be enrolled on any other academic/training course upon commencement of this post or have been enrolled onto another HEE funded course in the last two years (Please see person spec document for details). Desirable Psychology Degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy Received training (either formal or through experience) and completed risk assessments within scope of practice Skills Essential Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including virtual platforms and telephone skills. Ability to integrate information; make evaluations formulations and decisions. Competent and confident in working with standard Microsoft packages, demonstrates ability to learn and adapt to new IT packages/systems. Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with patients and good interpersonal skills always demonstrating empathy and professionalism. For instance, communicating supportively and constructively with people who may be distressed and manage difficult conversations. Good diary management and ability to manage own workload/caseload and demonstrate time management skills. Work within a team, build good working relationships and able to seek or provide support with a solution focus. Good personal skills to maintain wellbeing whilst working under pressure and meeting demands of academic study to this level at the same time. Desirable Demonstrate the ability to maintain professional boundaries with vulnerable people Fluent in languages other than English Other Essential Ability to attend course at Exeter University (delivered in person and online) two days a week either by your own vehicle or public transport. Please review attached timetable and confirm ability to attend all dates. Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout Plymouth. Ability to tolerate change and ambiguity and maintain own morale and motivation in challenging service delivery contexts. Ability to meet academic deadlines and complete and provide recordings of your clinical practice as part of your training and ongoing professional development. On commencement of post: membership, and once eligible, Registration with either the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or British Psychological Society (BPS) will be required. Knowledge Essential Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care. Understanding of the role of supervision in clinical practice. Ability to be self-reflective, whilst working with patients, in own personal and professional development and in supervision Knowledge and/or experience of how marginalisation can impact on mental health problems and what barriers there may be for marginalised communities and how marginalisation may impact presentation within mental health services. With a commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion and continued development of understanding how marginalisation impacts people. Desirable Demonstrates an understanding of how mental health difficulties can impact on other areas (ie. work) and similarly how unemployment, financial difficulties and familial stress etc can impact on mental health. Knowledge of medication used in treatment of anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post. Experience Essential A minimum of 1-year working with people who have suffered with a mental health problem. Voluntary work or expertise gained by lived experience will be considered. Ability to integrate training and theory into practice Demonstrates high standards in written communication. Desirable Experience of working in Primary Care Services Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes. Experience of writing and maintaining professional or clinical notes and communicating with patients and other health professionals by letters or reports Evidence of community-based working 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name Livewell Southwest Address Plymouth Community Healthcare C I C 73 Exeter Street Plymouth PL4 0AH Employer's website https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)