About this role
Job summary
A Monday-Friday working pattern is just one of the attractions of Trainee PWP role with Talking Therapies.
We are looking for 8 Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners to join our friendly team. We cover six localities across the county, all within about 40 minutes of our central hubs in Bracknell and Reading.
We are an IAPT (improving access to psychological therapies) service that leads on innovation, boasting a preceptorship programme for our staff, allowing them to have a clear progression plan and develop in their career with us.
**As a trainee PWP you will have a mix of University Days and Service Days where you will have your caseload and be putting your learning from university into practice. University days are likely to be a mixture of in person and online teaching (please note this may change as is at the discretion of University of Reading). In service, following national guidance, we will expect you to be working in the office to enhance your learning and training opportunities.**
Please note that this role is not eligible for sponsorship unless you are currently being sponsored on a skilled worker visa for health and care workers approved from before 22nd July 2025.
Main duties of the job
A trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner will be based as an employee within Berkshire Talking Therapies whilst attending Reading University, with a mixture of teaching days and attending service. You will be required to undertake and pass the IAPT PWP training provided through the University of Reading and achieve the Postgraduate/Graduate Certificate in Evidence based Psychological Treatments (IAPT Pathway) as part of this role. Providing high volume low intensity interventions using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principles for mild to moderate anxiety and depression Opportunities to support those with long term health conditions and those with employment issues alongside our fantastic employment support team Opportunities to support a diverse population of patients Facilitating group sessions On successful completion of the programme, you will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and behaviours relevant to employment as a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner within Talking Therapies
About us
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated 'outstanding' by the CQC, we're committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we're committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
Caring for and about you is our top priority Committed to providing good quality, safe services Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
Flexible working options to support work-life balance 27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell Generous NHS pension scheme Excellent learning and career development opportunities 'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave Free parking across Trust sites
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
Were committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please dont hesitate to email: Emma Hayden and Sophie Strange on [email protected] and sophie.strange@berkshire,nhs.uk wholl be delighted to help.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications/Training Essential
For the Postgraduate Certificate: Bachelor's degree graded at 2:2 or above, For the Graduate Certificate: Evidence of ability to study successfully at academic Level 5. - In either case, must not have started or completed a HEE funded training programme in the previous 2 years, in line with the '2-year psychological professions funding rule. Numeracy and literacy qualification at a minimum of level 2
Desirable
Relevant bachelor's degree (e.g., psychology, mental health, sociology, education etc.) Training in counselling skills or similar
Continuous Professional Development/Training Essential
Commitment to ongoing training and development Able to complete academic components of the course Able to attend the formal training as required and able to integrate training into practice
Previous Experience Essential
Evidence of experience in an employed or formal volunteer helping role with people with psychological, interpersonal, or social problems Experience of working in or with a diverse or multi-cultural community
Desirable
Experience of working with refugees/ asylum seekers Experience of working in the voluntary sector including in housing, employment, or debt services Worked in a service where agreed targets are in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Essential
Awareness of mental health and issues related to mental health problems A basic understanding of the national Talking Therapies initiative Able to work independently and think quickly in challenging situations Ability to study as a self-motivated learner and to effectively implement training into practice Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes including high standard of letter and report writing
Desirable
Understanding of the need to use evidence-based interventions and how it relates to this post Received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental well-being Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems
Additional requirements Essential
Able to work across the service's operating hours and, where required, support extended service provision Able to work flexibly around standard working patterns as required Able to travel independently between sites in Berkshire and beyond to fulfil the requirements and duties of the position
Desirable
Proficient in a language other than English Able to work with interpreters to deliver services
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 Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust
Address London House, London Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 2UT
Bracknell
RG12 2UT
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)