Job summary
NHS Plymouth Talking Therapies islooking for enthusiastic and passionate Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners to join our teams across Devon. Whether you're newly qualified or an experienced Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, we want to hear from you.
As part of the NHS Talking Therapies service, you'll be responsible for delivering evidence-based CBT self-management interventions to individuals with mild to moderate mental health difficulties, ensuring fidelity to NICE guidance and the latest evidence.
We also have close ties with Exeter University, providing continued professional development, including training in Long Term Health Condition, Supervisor, and Enhanced Practice.
We welcome the time to discuss the range of opportunities and flexible patterns to enable you to get the balance of home and work life that suits. If this is you and you are looking to work in a vibrant city in the beautiful West Country, please get in touch with the identified contact to find out more.
You will gain-
- Being part of our nationally recognised work in delivering talking therapies to neurodivergent communities.
- Integrating talking therapies within long term conditions care pathways in collaboration with our colleagues in Livewell and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.
- Deliver community based workshop programme delivering psychoeducation to businesses and organisations across the city.
Main duties of the job
The primary purpose of this role is to improve the psychological health and wellbeing of the people of Plymouth. As part of the NHS Talking Therapies service, you'll be responsible for providing high volume, low-intensity interventions, which will include a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions at Step 2 for clients with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.
Our service operates in a hybrid model, with appointments taking place in our own offices and clinics, as well via telephone and video call and in the community.
Depending on your experience, you may also be involved in providing supervision to other team members. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to participate in clinical skills development, in-house CPD, training days, and team away days to fully integrate into the Livewell network.
Start dates are flexible, and please note that permanent remote-only positions are not available.
About us
Livewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise providing integrated health & social care services for people across Plymouth, South Hams & West Devon, as well as some specialist services for people living in parts of Devon & Cornwall. With teams in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, health & wellbeing hubs.
As an organisation with a strong social conscience, we always value being kind, respectful, inclusive, ambitious, responsible and collaborative. Transforming services to make them sustainable, ensuring that we value, support & empower each other.
We are committed to involving the people we care for, families & carers in everything that we do, working towards co-production where we can. Helping us to deliver the right care for people, in the right place & at the right time. By putting people at the centre of what we do, we ensure to support people to lead, healthy independent lives & be the very best at helping people to live well.
Valuing our employees making an investment in their development a priority. We offer:
Protected CPD time for registered staff
Various development pathways and ongoing regular training packages for all staff
Leadership & mentoring programmes
Access & funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course & Scholarship Into Nurse Training
A Robust Preceptorship
A bespoke induction programme
Existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme can continue their membership when they join the organisation.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL
1.1.Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.
1.2.Assess and supports people with a common mental health problem in the
self management of their recovery.
1.3.Undertakes patient centred interviews which identifies areas where the
person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate
assessment of risk to self and others.
1.4. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments
referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or
back to the referral agent as necessary or steps-ups the persons treatment
to high intensity.
1.5.Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high volume
low intensity psychological treatments. This may include guided selfhelp
computerised CBT, information about pharmacological treatments. This
work may be face to face, telephone or via other media.
1.6.Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary
where there is consent form the patient and it is appropriate to do so.
1.7.Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the 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.
1.8.Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in
treatment, where appropriate.
1.9. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.
1.10.Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with Livewell clinical
record keeping policy.
1.11.Work closely with other members of the team to ensure the Stepped care
model is consistent.
1.12.Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the
overall therapy process.
1.13.Liaison with other agencies and other professionals as part of the patient
care plan when clinically relevant.
1.14.To identify and manage risk with patients.
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 client information is kept confidential, unless there is a need to
share information. Sharing of information will be in line with data protection
guidance and child safeguarding protocols.
2.3.Keep up to date with NICE recommended treatments for common mental
health problems.
2.4.Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior
therapists 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 and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date
specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery
models/developments.
2.8.To attend all Livewell mandatory training relevant role at specified times.
2.9.Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional
objectives relevant for role.
2.10. Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and
confidentiality.
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.
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
CLINICAL
1.1.Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.
1.2.Assess and supports people with a common mental health problem in the
self management of their recovery.
1.3.Undertakes patient centred interviews which identifies areas where the
person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate
assessment of risk to self and others.
1.4. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments
referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or
back to the referral agent as necessary or steps-ups the persons treatment
to high intensity.
1.5.Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high volume
low intensity psychological treatments. This may include guided selfhelp
computerised CBT, information about pharmacological treatments. This
work may be face to face, telephone or via other media.
1.6.Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary
where there is consent form the patient and it is appropriate to do so.
1.7.Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the 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.
1.8.Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in
treatment, where appropriate.
1.9. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.
1.10.Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with Livewell clinical
record keeping policy.
1.11.Work closely with other members of the team to ensure the Stepped care
model is consistent.
1.12.Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the
overall therapy process.
1.13.Liaison with other agencies and other professionals as part of the patient
care plan when clinically relevant.
1.14.To identify and manage risk with patients.
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 client information is kept confidential, unless there is a need to
share information. Sharing of information will be in line with data protection
guidance and child safeguarding protocols.
2.3.Keep up to date with NICE recommended treatments for common mental
health problems.
2.4.Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior
therapists 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 and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date
specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery
models/developments.
2.8.To attend all Livewell mandatory training relevant role at specified times.
2.9.Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional
objectives relevant for role.
2.10. Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and
confidentiality.
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.
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
- - Completion of Low Intensity IAPT qualification, including theory and supervised practice, or equivalent as per national IAPT guidelines
- - Evidence of educational qualifications plus experience equivalent to degree level
- - Evidence of working with people who have lived with common mental health difficulties
Desirable
- - Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or
- within a psychological therapy.
- - Psychology degree
Experience
Essential
- - Two years mental health working experience, including voluntary work or expertise gained by experience of mental health problems
- - Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- - Able to write clear reports and letters.
- - Experience of working in Primary Care
- - Experience of managing own caseload
- - Experience of using clinical outcome measures to inform practice
Desirable
- - Evidence of working in the local community.
- - Experience of working with computerized CBT.
- - Experience of working with 16-18 year olds.
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 reflect on own work and personal / professional development
- - Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- - Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based
- psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Desirable
- - Demonstrates 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
Skills
Essential
- - Computer literate
- - Accurate and prompt record keeping
- - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
- - Good interpersonal skills
- - Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
- - Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
- - Demonstrate organizational skills with the ability prioritize within workload.
- - Ability to be self reflective, whilst working with service users, in own
- personal and professional development and in supervision
- - High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
- - Ability to work under pressure
- - Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and
- confidentiality
- - Openness to learning new knowledge and skills
- - Ability to attend necessary training courses
- - Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation
Desirable
- Received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out
- risk assessments within scope of practice
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- - Completion of Low Intensity IAPT qualification, including theory and supervised practice, or equivalent as per national IAPT guidelines
- - Evidence of educational qualifications plus experience equivalent to degree level
- - Evidence of working with people who have lived with common mental health difficulties
Desirable
- - Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or
- within a psychological therapy.
- - Psychology degree
Experience
Essential
- - Two years mental health working experience, including voluntary work or expertise gained by experience of mental health problems
- - Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- - Able to write clear reports and letters.
- - Experience of working in Primary Care
- - Experience of managing own caseload
- - Experience of using clinical outcome measures to inform practice
Desirable
- - Evidence of working in the local community.
- - Experience of working with computerized CBT.
- - Experience of working with 16-18 year olds.
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 reflect on own work and personal / professional development
- - Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- - Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based
- psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Desirable
- - Demonstrates 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
Skills
Essential
- - Computer literate
- - Accurate and prompt record keeping
- - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
- - Good interpersonal skills
- - Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
- - Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
- - Demonstrate organizational skills with the ability prioritize within workload.
- - Ability to be self reflective, whilst working with service users, in own
- personal and professional development and in supervision
- - High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
- - Ability to work under pressure
- - Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and
- confidentiality
- - Openness to learning new knowledge and skills
- - Ability to attend necessary training courses
- - Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation
Desirable
- Received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out
- risk assessments within scope of practice
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
