Job summary
Are you passionate about mental health? Does working within a primary care setting as part of a multi-professional workforce, providing treatment for people with depression, anxiety and other common mental health conditions interest you? If so, you may wish to consider training as an Apprentice Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner and get paid to do it! Alongside the ability to work independently, you will understand the importance of team working. You will also be highly motivated, adaptable and have enthusiasm for working in primary care.
Apprentice Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
Salary £25,147 - £27,596 moving to £28,407 - £34, 581 upon qualification
37.5 Hours per week
Permanent contract subject to successful completion of the course within 12 months and End Point Assessment (EPA).
You don't need a degree to be a PWP!
The introduction of the PWP apprenticeship scheme offers the opportunity to train for the PWP role without requiring an undergraduate degree.
**If you have a relevant undergraduate degree or above, please don't apply for this advert. Please apply via our Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner vacancy which we are expecting to advertise in June 2024**
Proposed interview date: W/C 8th July 2024
Main duties of the job
The Apprentice Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner will be a core member of the NHS Talking Therapies Team.
The role of a PWP is demanding and fast paced. Empathy, resilience, and excellent organizational skills are essential qualities. Apprentices are expected to progress working with a high degree of autonomy, with high volume caseloads including individual and group work; this may include telephony, video consultation, and face-to-face clinical work. The role is well supported with weekly clinical and case management supervision from qualified clinicians. In addition to clinical contact, the roles will include data collection, data management, analysis and note writing.
We deliver a wide range of digital based interventions including traditional telephone therapy, online guided self-help packages, and therapy via videoconferencing software for individuals and groups.
We are hoping to attract people who have experience of working in mental health, or experience of a setting where they have contact with people at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties (this can be either paid or voluntary work in a variety of roles). For example, people that have worked in relevant admin or health care assistant roles.
The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.
About us
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) is an outstanding organisation with ambitions to match. We are one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from theCare Quality Commission, and our aim is to be the leading provider of mental health and specialist learning disability services in the country.
Our family of over 3500 members of staff provide health and social care for over 400,000 people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. We also deliver a range of nationally commissioned specialist services including Tier 4 services for children and young people, perinatal services, plus medium and low secure learning disabilities services.
The care we provide makes a fantastic difference to the lives of our service users, their families and carers - everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout:
Our Trust values are:
Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.
These values are at the core of who we are, everything we do, and how we do it!
Would you like to be part of the HPFT family? Would you like work with us to ensure our service users live the fullest lives possible they can? Would you like to be supported in your career to be the best that you can be?
Then please read on...
Job description
Job responsibilities
NHS Talking Therapies Hertfordshire (formally IAPT) services across 6 teams in Hertfordshire and Mid Essex supporting around 40,000 adults every year to manage their common mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.
We pride ourselves on the support we offer to staff and provide an extensive programme of CPD for all our clinicians.
Our services are focused on delivering high quality therapy and are one of the highest performers in the East of England, with high recovery rates exceeding the national target of 50% and high levels of patient satisfaction.
All six of our teams have accreditation status with the Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies Services (APPTS) demonstrating high standards of practice as acknowledged by the British Psychological Society & the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We deliver a range of interventions to support people who are living with a long-term condition in conjunction with a range of physical health providers.
Where Will I Be Based?
You will be based at one of 4 sites across North, East and West Hertfordshire
- Welwyn/Ware
- Stevenage /North Herts
- Watford/Borehamwood
- Hemel Hempstead/St Albans
This is a developmental post and suitable candidates are provided with intensive training and supervision to work in the NHS Talking Therapies PWP role and will study on the Level 6 Graduate Certificate in Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with the University of Essex.
Expected start date for the apprenticeship route is 3rd September 2024
Three days per week will be spent in service gaining invaluable experience assessing and working with people from local communities, with one day at university and one scheduled study day. You will be expected to attend lectures in person and online for this post.
Those without a valid permit to work and study in the UK are not eligible to apply for this position.
Applicants must have a visa that allows work and study in the UK and must have been a UK resident for the previous 3 years (on day one of the course).
Applicants will only be offered an apprenticeship post if they meet the eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding as set out by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
All applicants must have the ability to travel independently as required.
Interviews are expected from the week commencing 8th July 2024. The remote interview panel will consist of service and university representatives.
If you are successful at interview you will need to complete a portfolio, to determine suitability for academic work.
As you graduate to a qualified PWP you will now be required to register with BABCP or BPS to become an accredited PWP.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Apprenticeships are open to people who have the relevant qualifications, please only apply if you meet the minimum requirements. If you are unsure if you meet these please get in contact with us.
Entry requirements:
We welcome applications from candidates who do not have a degree or recent study experience but have good experience in a caring capacity in a support, care or admin role and are interested in supporting patients with anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy self-help.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate capacity to work at level 5 either through a formal qualification at that level or completion of the attached portfolio. Qualification information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
PLEASE NOTE:should we have a high volume of applications we may close the vacancy early.
PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME TO READ OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DOCUMENT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Job description
Job responsibilities
NHS Talking Therapies Hertfordshire (formally IAPT) services across 6 teams in Hertfordshire and Mid Essex supporting around 40,000 adults every year to manage their common mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.
We pride ourselves on the support we offer to staff and provide an extensive programme of CPD for all our clinicians.
Our services are focused on delivering high quality therapy and are one of the highest performers in the East of England, with high recovery rates exceeding the national target of 50% and high levels of patient satisfaction.
All six of our teams have accreditation status with the Accreditation Programme for Psychological Therapies Services (APPTS) demonstrating high standards of practice as acknowledged by the British Psychological Society & the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We deliver a range of interventions to support people who are living with a long-term condition in conjunction with a range of physical health providers.
Where Will I Be Based?
You will be based at one of 4 sites across North, East and West Hertfordshire
- Welwyn/Ware
- Stevenage /North Herts
- Watford/Borehamwood
- Hemel Hempstead/St Albans
This is a developmental post and suitable candidates are provided with intensive training and supervision to work in the NHS Talking Therapies PWP role and will study on the Level 6 Graduate Certificate in Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with the University of Essex.
Expected start date for the apprenticeship route is 3rd September 2024
Three days per week will be spent in service gaining invaluable experience assessing and working with people from local communities, with one day at university and one scheduled study day. You will be expected to attend lectures in person and online for this post.
Those without a valid permit to work and study in the UK are not eligible to apply for this position.
Applicants must have a visa that allows work and study in the UK and must have been a UK resident for the previous 3 years (on day one of the course).
Applicants will only be offered an apprenticeship post if they meet the eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding as set out by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
All applicants must have the ability to travel independently as required.
Interviews are expected from the week commencing 8th July 2024. The remote interview panel will consist of service and university representatives.
If you are successful at interview you will need to complete a portfolio, to determine suitability for academic work.
As you graduate to a qualified PWP you will now be required to register with BABCP or BPS to become an accredited PWP.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Apprenticeships are open to people who have the relevant qualifications, please only apply if you meet the minimum requirements. If you are unsure if you meet these please get in contact with us.
Entry requirements:
We welcome applications from candidates who do not have a degree or recent study experience but have good experience in a caring capacity in a support, care or admin role and are interested in supporting patients with anxiety and depression using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy self-help.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate capacity to work at level 5 either through a formal qualification at that level or completion of the attached portfolio. Qualification information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
PLEASE NOTE:should we have a high volume of applications we may close the vacancy early.
PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME TO READ OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DOCUMENT ATTACHED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Evidence of Level 2 English and Mathematics or equivalent (GCSE or O Level's).
- Academic ability to complete the course and clinically demonstrate learning.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
- Proven Track record of working in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
- Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Desirable
- Experience of working in Primary Care Services
- Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care.
- 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
Communicaton skills
Essential
- Advanced communication skills. Excellent verbal communication skills, including telephone skills
- Ability to write clear reports and letters.
- Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
Physical Skills
Essential
- Computer literate - data entry and entering clinical notes to electronic patient records.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/TRAINING
Essential
- Evidence of Level 2 English and Mathematics or equivalent (GCSE or O Level's).
- Academic ability to complete the course and clinically demonstrate learning.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Evidence of working with people who have experienced a mental health problem
- Proven Track record of working in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
- Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Desirable
- Experience of working in Primary Care Services
- Experience of representing psychology within the context of multi-disciplinary care.
- 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
Communicaton skills
Essential
- Advanced communication skills. Excellent verbal communication skills, including telephone skills
- Ability to write clear reports and letters.
- Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
Physical Skills
Essential
- Computer literate - data entry and entering clinical notes to electronic patient records.
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.
