Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

About the Role

Talking Therapies is an experienced Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, supporting people experiencing common mental health problems and helping individuals achieve improved mental and physical wellbeing. As an IAPT Qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), you will play a key role in providing high-volume, low-intensity assessments and evidence-based interventions to people experiencing common mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. You will accept referrals into the service, undertake telephone and face-to-face screening and assessments, and support people to self-manage their recovery. You will work collaboratively with service users to identify their goals and support them to make positive changes. Your role will include delivering a range of evidence-based low-intensity interventions, including guided self-help, courses and computerised CBT, alongside providing information and support regarding psychological and pharmacological treatments where appropriate. You will work closely with colleagues across the service to ensure appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place, maintaining an effective stepped-care approach. You will manage your own caseload, maintain accurate clinical records, contribute to service improvement and participate in audit, research and quality improvement activities. You will receive regular clinical supervision and be expected to maintain your professional development.

Key Qualifications and Experience

• A PWP qualification from a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited PWP programme or apprenticeship.
• If qualifying through an apprenticeship route, successful completion of the apprenticeship end-point assessment.
• Accreditation with the BABCP or BPS as a PWP, or be working towards accreditation within six months of qualifying.
• Experience of delivering a full range of evidence-based IAPT low-intensity interventions.
• Experience of screening and assessing people with a range of mental health difficulties at Step 2.
• Experience of working with and managing risk.
• Knowledge of NICE guidance relating to Step 2 interventions.
• An understanding of anxiety and depressive disorders and how they can present in primary care.
• An understanding of the importance of evidence-based psychological therapies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills.
• Strong IT and computer skills.
• The ability to develop effective therapeutic relationships with clients.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing demands.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A high level of enthusiasm, motivation and self-awareness.
• The ability to use your own initiative and make appropriate decisions independently.
• A commitment to continual professional and personal development and to responding positively to supervision and feedback.
• A commitment to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Experience of partnership working, drug and alcohol management, working within services with agreed targets and demonstrating clinical outcomes would be desirable.
• You will also need to be able to travel independently in accordance with service requirements.

Benefits and Perks

• 27 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• Access to our workplace pension scheme.
• Family friendly and flexible working arrangements, where appropriate.
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay.
• Access to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources.
• Life Assurance and Free Will writing service.
• Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts.
• Access to Tickets for Good.
• Employee recognition and celebration schemes.
• A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations.
• Ongoing clinical, professional and management supervision.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development and service improvement.

Employer & Company Culture

Talking Therapies is an experienced Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, supporting people experiencing common mental health problems and helping individuals achieve improved mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference. By joining, you'll become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation that is committed to improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in communities across the country.

Salary & Working Hours

Salary: £32,074 per annum. NHS AFC Band 5. Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week. Location: Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham with travel to Darlington (some hybrid working available). Full-time. Permanent.

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We believe everyone should have access to fair and accessible opportunities, and we are committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are welcoming and inclusive for all. During the application process, we may ask for some personal information to help us understand how we can make our recruitment practices as fair and accessible as possible. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially and used solely for this purpose. We value the unique experiences, perspectives and contributions that diversity brings and are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported and able to be themselves.