Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

Richmond Borough Mind

The closing date is 12 May 2024

Job summary

Psychological therapies services across London including Richmond Borough Mind's Richmond Wellbeing Service are recruiting trainee PWPs as part of the IAPT programme to deliver evidence-based psychological therapies for people with anxiety and depression. PWPs provide brief structured supported treatments such as guided self-help. PWP training is provided by University College London (UCL) and is full time.

Trainees attend university one day a week and will work for Richmond Borough Mind's Wellbeing Service the remaining 4 days a week. Training course fees on this programme are fully funded by the NHS. In addition, trainees will receive a salary from the Richmond Talking Therapies service where they undertake their 4-day a week placement over the year of the programme.

You will be working with a team of dynamic, dedicated and committed PWPs and Trainees and be part of successful teams at both RB Mind and our partners, South West London and St. Georges Mental Health NHS Trust.

Based near central Twickenham this role will also be partly home-based.

Please note that applications for this position must be submitted via the UCL website. Information on how to do this can be found in the Supporting Documents section.

Main duties of the job

This training post will equip the post-holder to provide a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The Trainee PWP will attend all taught and self-study days required by the education provider, and work in the service for the remaining days of the week using their newly developed skills.

The course is a postgraduate certificate and applicants are required to demonstrate aptitude to study at postgraduate level, either through degree level education or demonstration of academic equivalence.

About us

Richmond Borough Mind is a vibrant local charity that supports and provides services for people affected by mental health problems and their carers. The Richmond Wellbeing Service is part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) scheme, which aims to provide therapies to people with common mental health problems.The benefits of working for Richmond Borough Mind are:

  • Flexible working
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata].
  • Contributory pension.
  • Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period [pro rata].
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions and access to a wellbeing app.
  • Training and personal development opportunities.
  • Paid time off for medical appointments.
  • Staff away days and socials.

Date posted

24 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£29,460 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

365 days

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0054-24-0001

Job locations

Richmond Wellbeing Service

Oak Lane

Twickenham

TW1 3PA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Description

Post Title: Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)

NHS Band: 4

Job Purpose

This is a training role within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme (IAPT). The post-holder will work within the IAPT service providing high volume low intensity interventions whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role.

The training post will equip the post-holder to provide a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The post-holder will attend all taught and self-study days required by the education provider, as specified within National Low Intensity curriculum and work in the service for the remaining days of the week using their newly developed skills.

The post-holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

CLINICAL

1. Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.

2. Assess and support people with a common mental health problem in the self-management of their recovery.

3. Undertake patient-centred interviews which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others.

4. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, refers unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or steps-up the persons treatment to high intensity psychological therapy.

5. 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 other media.

6. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary.

7. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall 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.

8. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.

9. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.

10. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols and use these records and clinical outcome data in clinical decision-making.

11. 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.

12. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process

13. Operate at all times from an inclusive values base which promotes recovery and recognises and respects diversity.

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

1. Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post including practical, academic and practice based assessments.

2. Apply learning from the training programme in practice.

3. Receive supervision from educational providers in relation to course work to meet the required standards.

4. Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered.

5. Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in clinical practice.

6. Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competences and clinical practice.

PROFESSIONAL

1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating bodies, 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. Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.

3. Be aware of, and keep up to date with advances in the spheres of treatment for common mental health problems.

4. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.

5. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives.

6. Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuous Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.

7. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives.

GENERAL

1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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

Job Description

Post Title: Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)

NHS Band: 4

Job Purpose

This is a training role within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Programme (IAPT). The post-holder will work within the IAPT service providing high volume low intensity interventions whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role.

The training post will equip the post-holder to provide a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The post-holder will attend all taught and self-study days required by the education provider, as specified within National Low Intensity curriculum and work in the service for the remaining days of the week using their newly developed skills.

The post-holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

CLINICAL

1. Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.

2. Assess and support people with a common mental health problem in the self-management of their recovery.

3. Undertake patient-centred interviews which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others.

4. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, refers unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or steps-up the persons treatment to high intensity psychological therapy.

5. 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 other media.

6. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary.

7. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall 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.

8. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.

9. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.

10. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols and use these records and clinical outcome data in clinical decision-making.

11. 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.

12. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process

13. Operate at all times from an inclusive values base which promotes recovery and recognises and respects diversity.

TRAINING AND SUPERVISION

1. Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post including practical, academic and practice based assessments.

2. Apply learning from the training programme in practice.

3. Receive supervision from educational providers in relation to course work to meet the required standards.

4. Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, in order to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered.

5. Respond to and implement supervision suggestions by supervisors in clinical practice.

6. Engage in and respond to personal development supervision to improve competences and clinical practice.

PROFESSIONAL

1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating bodies, 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. Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.

3. Be aware of, and keep up to date with advances in the spheres of treatment for common mental health problems.

4. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.

5. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives.

6. Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuous Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.

7. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives.

GENERAL

1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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

  • Evidence of ability to study successfully at postgraduate level.

Desirable

  • Psychology or other health or social science related undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
  • Professional training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy.

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with people with psychological, interpersonal or social problems.
  • Demonstrates high standards in written communication. Able to write clear reports and letters.

Desirable

  • Work or volunteer experience with people who have experienced a mental health problem.
  • Experience of working in Primary Care Services.
  • Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
  • Ability to manage own caseload and time.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Evidence of ability to study successfully at postgraduate level.

Desirable

  • Psychology or other health or social science related undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
  • Professional training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy.

Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with people with psychological, interpersonal or social problems.
  • Demonstrates high standards in written communication. Able to write clear reports and letters.

Desirable

  • Work or volunteer experience with people who have experienced a mental health problem.
  • Experience of working in Primary Care Services.
  • Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
  • Ability to manage own caseload and time.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Richmond Borough Mind

Address

Richmond Wellbeing Service

Oak Lane

Twickenham

TW1 3PA


Employer's website

https://www.rbmind.org/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Richmond Borough Mind

Address

Richmond Wellbeing Service

Oak Lane

Twickenham

TW1 3PA


Employer's website

https://www.rbmind.org/ (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:

Date posted

24 April 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£29,460 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

365 days

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

B0054-24-0001

Job locations

Richmond Wellbeing Service

Oak Lane

Twickenham

TW1 3PA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Richmond Borough Mind's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)