About this role
Job summary
We are recruiting for Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) positions with the BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) NHS Talking Therapies services. Our team were recognised as AWP's "Team of the Year" at the 2024 annual awards ceremony.
You will work within the Talking Therapies service providing high volume low intensity interventions whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role. The training post will equip you to provide a range of low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression.
The training will start on Tuesday 9th March 2027, however, the start date in service will be Monday 8th March 2027 at the latest. Please see the attached training dates document. Applicants must be able to commit to all dates.
This role combines two days per week teaching, held either remotely or at the University of Exeter (Bristol campus), to study for a PGCert and degree level 6 in Psychological Therapies Practice (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with three days of low-intensity clinical practice, based in one of the services in Swindon, Devizes or Salisbury.
Salary: You will initially be paid at Band 4 and, following completion of the training and successful qualification within agreed timescales, you will be able to move into a Band 5 Qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) position.
Main duties of the job
Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners in NHS Talking Therapies services provide support to individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems. This role offers a great opportunity to improve the wellbeing of many people, and build a career in NHS mental health services. As an entry-level training opportunity, this role is open to a wide range of candidates, and we particularly welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
Study: The PWP training programme is delivered over 45 days of which 30 are delivered at the University of Exeter (or taught online) and 15 are set as university structured and directed learning days that can be undertaken outside of the university.
Other: You will need to be willing and able to travel throughout the locality and to locations outside the organisation.
About us
We are the lead provider of healthcare for people with serious mental illness, learning disabilities and autism across Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon and Wiltshire, and Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
We aim to provideHigh Quality, Compassionate Careeverywhere, every day. This means our services will be safe, clinically effective and provide a positive all round experience for our patients, families and carers. And we believe passionately in treating everyone with kindness, respect and empathy.
Key to this is providing a supportive and safe environment for our 4,000 staff where we all feel welcome and able to do the best we can for those we support. Our staff and teams work incredibly hard delivering services across more than 90 locations, covering 2,200miles, to more than 1.8million people.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Job description Job responsibilities
The key clinical responsibilities include:
Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service. Assess and support people with a common mental health problem in the self-management of their recovery. Undertake patient-centred interviews which identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and make an accurate assessment of risk to self and others. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or step-up the persons treatment to high intensity. 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. 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. Attend and fulfil all the requirements of the training element of the post. This will include attending taught university days and engaging with university directed study days, assignments and independent study.
Essential criteria
Undergraduate degree or evidence of previous successful study at Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 5. Evidence of 1 years' experience working with people who have suffered with mental health problems. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work under pressure.
Desirable criteria
Volunteer Work. Experience of working in Talking Therapies or Primary Care Services. Experience of offering group interventions.
Right to Work in the UK This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.
Please note, we anticipate a high volume of applicants and as a result, the vacancy may close early.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Undergraduate degree or evidence of previous successful study at Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 5 & 6
Desirable
Training in nursing, social work. occupational therapy, arts therapy or psychological therapy Experience of working in Talking Therapies / Primary Care services
Experience Essential
Evidence of 1 years' experience working with adults who have suffered with a mental health problem Understanding of common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and how this presents in primary care
Desirable
Experience working with voluntary agencies or local services in the community Experience working with diversity
Skills Essential
Ability to manage own wellbeing whilst working under pressure Able to write clear reports and letters in English using own words Experience in using computer programs for remote working
Desirable
Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of Talking Therapies and stepped care
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 Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust
Address Devizes, Salisbury or Swindon
Devizes, Salisbury, Swindon or Bath
SN10 5DS
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.awp.nhs.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)