Wandsworth Talking Therapies is a primary care mental health and wellbeing service which aims to provide support to people living within Wandsworth or those with a Wandsworth G.P. As a service, we aim to deliver a range of evidence-based psychological interventions to people with common mental health problems within a stepped care model. Wandsworth Talking Therapies is professionally managed by a consultant Clinical Psychologist and operationally managed by a service manager. The team consists of qualified Clinical and Counselling Psychologists, CBT Therapists and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) who provide evidence-based psychological interventions in line with NICE guidance.

Wandsworth is a wonderfully diverse mix of communities, cultures and energy. Therefore we are seeking individuals who relish the opportunity to work with diverse communities and contribute to positive community development in mental health. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to develop culturally sensitive services and have a strong track record in innovative practice and training. Wandsworth have an excellent reputation in the development and support of PWP roles and we are excited about the potential new developments at step 2 going forward.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to join our successful and dynamic IAPT service. You will offer triage assessments and low intensity interventions to people with common mental health problems (depression and anxiety disorders). You will provide brief telephone based triage assessments as well as NICE-supported low intensity treatments such as guided self-help and CBT-based psycho-educational courses. You will receive regular clinical supervision from either a Senior PWP or clinical/counselling psychologist/CBT therapist working within the service.

Successful applicants will have a strong academic background with a good (upper second or first class) degree in the behavioural sciences and also a keen interest in primary care. Successful applicants must have a Low intensity PWP qualification. Please note if you do not have this qualification you will not be considered for the post. Successful applicants will also have excellent interpersonal skills and have experience of working with people who have mental health problems. We are also looking for someone who has enthusiasm, confidence and the ability to work flexibly and autonomously within a team.

You will be based at our office in Tooting Broadway with opportunities to work remotely from home as well.

Do you have/or are you currently studying a post graduate low intensity PWP qualification? IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THIS QUALIFICATION YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust.

We have expert services, a rich history and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety ofbenefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive.

Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will work clinically within primary care settings and be required to work flexible hours in line with the improving access agenda.

The service operates from 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 8 to 4pm on Fridays and you will be required to work two evenings per week.

Your working pattern can be negotiated and many of our clinicians prefer to work condensed hours to allow for a better work/life balance.

In light of the Covid pandemic, the service is currently offering the opportunity to work remotely, with an expectation that everyone is in the office for two days per week to meet the demand for face to face appointments. It is likely that agile working will continue to be part of the job role moving forward.

Supporting clinicians We are mindful that working in a fast paced service with people experiencing psychological distress can be challenging as well as immensely rewarding.

We take a compassionate leadership approach to ensure that these challenges are acknowledged and staff are supported through regular supervision, trainings, reflective practice and wellbeing focused line management supervision.

We take pride in promoting a team who are supportive of each other.

Please see Job Description for full details.

Previous applicants not selected for interview need not apply.

Person Specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• Qualification from an accredited PWP/Low Intensity Training Course
• Registration with the BABCP or in the process of gaining registration

Desirable

• Psychology or other social science or health-related undergraduate degree
• Training in nursing, social work, occupational therapy or counselling
• Psychology or other social science or health-related postgraduate degree

Experience

Essential

• Extensive experience of working in primary care or IAPT services
• Experience of working towards clinical and operational performance targets

Desirable

• Experience of working in the local community

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• A good understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in primary care
• Skills in the assessment and Step 2 CBT treatment of patients with depression and anxiety disorders
• Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health

Desirable

• Knowledge of the theory and practice of evidence-based group and individual psychological interventions at Step 2
• Knowledge of the academic literature concerning common mental disorders in general practice and their treatment within a Step 2 IAPT service

Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Talk Wandsworth

56 Tooting High St

London

SW17 0RN

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

294-COMM-6597267-JB