Job summary
Welcome! Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS Talking Therapies is a busy caring team consisting of Administration staff, PWPs, CBT Practitioners, and Counsellors.
We are currently recruiting forTrainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.
Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners are employed on one-year fixed term training contract that is high pressured, involving a clinical placement during which you will manage a high-volume caseload of low intensity service users. You will additionally undertake the Postgraduate Certificate at Birmingham Newman University, meeting academic deadlines. In addition to clinical contact, the role will include data collection, data management, analysis and note writing. Trainees are expected to progress to work with a high degree of autonomy, with high volume caseloads including individual and group work; this may include telephone sessions, video consultation, and face-to-face clinical work.
On successful completion on the course a permanent contract would be offered.
If you are a highly organised and motivated individual with a commitment to the NHS and patient care, then we would welcome your application to study for the professional role of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.Successful candidates will be trained to deliver Low Intensity Psychological Interventions, which are the cornerstone of NHS Talking Therapies Services (formally known as IAPT).
Main duties of the job
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 assessments to identify areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others.Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the department's referral protocols, refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or step-up the person's treatment to high intensity psychological therapy.
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.
Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary.
Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the overall number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.
About us
Working for your Organisation:
At MPFT we pride ourselves on staff wellbeing and development and can we offer you:
- Our SOOTHE resources - supporting staff across the trust with their physical, mental and financial health. In addition to the support offered from our occupational health provider Team Prevent.
- Counselling support and lifestyle information with advice on a variety of personal matters
- "In our Gift" providing a platform for your voice to be heard to inform change
- The opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
- Opportunities for flexible working (depending on the role)
- Career development opportunities and coaching plus access to in house training programs
- Innovative research training program entitled STARS (Supporting the advancement of Research Skills)
- Child Care Vouchers Scheme
- Recognition and engagement through our staff LOVE awards, LOVE long service awards and Staff Engagement Surveys
- NHS discounts available via the Blue Card and Red Guava schemes
We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organisation and there is a choice of staff networks that help you meet like-minded people.
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a training role within the NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression (NHSTTAD) Service. The post-holder will work within the NHSTTAD 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 programme of learning is delivered jointly between Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and Birmingham Newman University. If successful you will be required to attend a minimum of 1 day teaching, undertake 1 day of self-directed study and provide 3 days of clinical practice per week offering assessment and low intensity treatment to patients presenting with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. You will receive appropriate support throughout their training journey.
You will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities. You will work across the Shropshire locality and therefore must be able to travel.
When completing your application please be as accurate as possible and provide up-to-date information and reference details in order that your application can be processed in a timely manner.We would remind you only to apply to one Trust and one HEI. Multiple applications can disrupt service delivery and undermine clinical delivery and patient care.
Successful applicants will hold:
- Qualifications suitable to their level of study
Postgraduate Certificate (M Level) qualification route:
A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent (e.g., Registered Nurses and AHPs).
Graduate Certificate route
2 Advanced Level GCEs (A-C) or equivalent (e.g., B-tec, GNVQ, NVQ Level 3 and 4).
- Relevant experience necessary for clinical practice
Significant experience of at least one year working with people who have suffered with a mental health problem in voluntary or paid positions.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more details.
Dates for your diary:
Application:
- Complete the NHS service application form for the vacancy before the deadline - please note we are likely to close this position early as we expect a high number of applicants. We recommend you get your application in to us as soon as possible.
Shortlisted applicants will:
- Attend for suitability screening with the university on Thursday 26th October
- Successful applicants following screening will then be invited to attend a workplace interview week commencing 10th November.
Applicants who are successful in both screening and the workplace interview must be able to begin their role in service on the 26th January 2026and at university on 4th February 2026.
Please save these dates to your diary.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a training role within the NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression (NHSTTAD) Service. The post-holder will work within the NHSTTAD 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 programme of learning is delivered jointly between Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) and Birmingham Newman University. If successful you will be required to attend a minimum of 1 day teaching, undertake 1 day of self-directed study and provide 3 days of clinical practice per week offering assessment and low intensity treatment to patients presenting with common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. You will receive appropriate support throughout their training journey.
You will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities. You will work across the Shropshire locality and therefore must be able to travel.
When completing your application please be as accurate as possible and provide up-to-date information and reference details in order that your application can be processed in a timely manner.We would remind you only to apply to one Trust and one HEI. Multiple applications can disrupt service delivery and undermine clinical delivery and patient care.
Successful applicants will hold:
- Qualifications suitable to their level of study
Postgraduate Certificate (M Level) qualification route:
A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent (e.g., Registered Nurses and AHPs).
Graduate Certificate route
2 Advanced Level GCEs (A-C) or equivalent (e.g., B-tec, GNVQ, NVQ Level 3 and 4).
- Relevant experience necessary for clinical practice
Significant experience of at least one year working with people who have suffered with a mental health problem in voluntary or paid positions.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more details.
Dates for your diary:
Application:
- Complete the NHS service application form for the vacancy before the deadline - please note we are likely to close this position early as we expect a high number of applicants. We recommend you get your application in to us as soon as possible.
Shortlisted applicants will:
- Attend for suitability screening with the university on Thursday 26th October
- Successful applicants following screening will then be invited to attend a workplace interview week commencing 10th November.
Applicants who are successful in both screening and the workplace interview must be able to begin their role in service on the 26th January 2026and at university on 4th February 2026.
Please save these dates to your diary.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of ability to study successfully at undergraduate year 1 level or the equivalent Or degree in a relevant subject
- Previous experience of working in mental health or experience of a setting where they are likely to be exposed to people at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, either paid or voluntary work
- Having personal experience of mental health difficulties
Desirable
- Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy.
- Psychology or other health related undergraduate degree.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Computer literate
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
- Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
Desirable
- Received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
- Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- Ability to be self reflective, whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision
Desirable
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
- Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- Able to write clear reports and letters
Desirable
- 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 undergraduate year 1 level or the equivalent Or degree in a relevant subject
- Previous experience of working in mental health or experience of a setting where they are likely to be exposed to people at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, either paid or voluntary work
- Having personal experience of mental health difficulties
Desirable
- Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling or within a psychological therapy.
- Psychology or other health related undergraduate degree.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- Computer literate
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including telephone skills
- Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
Desirable
- Received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
- Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- Ability to be self reflective, whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision
Desirable
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
- Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- Able to write clear reports and letters
Desirable
- 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.
