Main duties of the job

The post-holder will develop skills in providing assessment and Low Intensity psychological interventions, including supported self-help and behavioural activation, to clients using the NICE-recommended stepped care model and delivering psycho-educational groups. Close partnership working with primary and secondary care colleagues, including GPs and in collaboration with the Mental Health Framework.

Applicants should have a good understanding of the IAPT programme, be flexible and adaptable to change.

The post-holder will work within the city-wide IAPT service providing high volume low intensity interventions comprising of a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to promoting equal opportunities

Our Trainee PWP role involves on the job training provided by our partners at Exeter University as well as contributing to tasks that support service provision, gaining experience relevant to the PWP role whilst training. Successful completion of this course is required to maintain employment as a Band 5 PWP.

Successful applicants must be available for an interview with Livewell during the week commencing 12 December 2022 and with Exeter University in the days shortly after and be ready to commence training in March 2023.

About us

Livewell Southwest values its staff and makes investment in their development a priority. Currently we offer the following development opportunities for staff:

• A minimum of three days protected CPD for registered staff

• Development pathways for unregistered staff from apprentice to bands 2, 3 and 4 and for registered staff in bands 5, 6, 7 and 8

• Leadership programmes

• Coaching and mentoring

• Medicines Management, leg Ulcer Management and Assessment Training

• Access and funding for training including Care Certificate, Assistant Practitioners Course and Scholarship Into Nurse Training

• Robust Preceptorship

• An induction programme tailored to your needs

• Relocation package may be considered for the right candidate for certain roles

Livewell Southwest can allow existing members of the NHS Pension Scheme to continue their membership when they join the organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1. CLINICAL

1.1. Under supervision and support delivers Low intensity treatments to clients with mild to moderate presentations of anxiety and depression

1.2. Proactive in identifying learning opportunities as a trainee PWP within service, utilizes available support and resources.

1.3. Assess and supports people with a common mental health problem in the self-management of their recovery.

1.4. Undertakes patient centred interviews which identifies areas where the person wishes to see change and or recovery and makes an accurate assessment of risk to self and others.

1.5. Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the departments referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary or steps-ups the persons treatment to high intensity.

1.6. Provide a range of information and support for evidence based high volume low intensity psychological treatments. This may include guided selfhelp computerised CBT, information about pharmacological treatments. This work may be face to face, telephone or via other media.

1.7. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary.

1.8. 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.

1.9. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.

1.10. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service.

1.11. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols

1.12. Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.

1.13. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process

1.14. Develop risk assessment skills to support clients access the right level of support.

2. PROFESSIONAL

2.1. Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health (e.g NHS plan, National Service Framework, National Institute for Clinical Excellence).

2.2. Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.

2.3. Be aware of, and keep up to date with advances in the modalities of treatment for common mental health problems.

2.4. Ensure clear objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.

2.5. Attend clinical / managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with Manager.

2.6. Participate in individual performance review and respond to agreed objectives.

2.7. Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuing Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.

2.8. Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives.

2.9. To attend 100% of the PWP training programme provided by Exeter University and to complete the components of the course as set out by the University.

3. GENERAL

3.1. To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.

3.2. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health and Primary Care Services.

3.3. All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients and the general public.

3.4. All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Security and Confidentiality Policies.

3.5. It is the responsibility of all staff that they do not abuse their official position for personal gain, to seek advantage of further private business or other interests in the course of their official duties.

3.6. This Job Description does not provide an exhaustive list of duties and may be reviewed in conjunction with the post holder in light of service development.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Candidates should evidence they have studied at least to the second year of a degree or equivalent, or at postgraduate level for those already holding a degree. The subject of previous study does not have to be confined to topics relating to health, it is important to reflect capability to study at a high academic level. However, demonstrating previous experience in mental health is a requirement.

• Degree level 5 qualification.

Desirable

• Psychology degree.

Experience

Essential

• A minimum of 1-year mental health working experience, including voluntary work or expertise gained by experience of mental health challenges.

• 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 are in place demonstrating clinical outcomes. Ability to manage own caseload and time.

• Evidence of working in the local community.

Skills

Essential

• Computer and IT literate. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including virtual platforms and telephone skills. Good interpersonal skills demonstrating empathy and professionalism at all times. Good time-management. Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships. High level of enthusiasm and Motivation. Advanced communication skills. Ability to work under pressure and to meet the demands of academic study at this level. Demonstrate regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality. Openness to learning new knowledge and skills. Ability to attend necessary training courses. Ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation.

Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care.

• Understanding of the role of supervision in clinical practice.

• Ability to reflect on own work and personal / professional development.

Desirable

• 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

• Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post

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

Livewell Southwest

Address

Plymouth Community Healthcare C I C

73 Exeter Street

Plymouth

PL4 0AH

Employer's website

https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)