Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

Role overview

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) is hiring trainees for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) roles alongside a Postgraduate Certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Interventions. These positions combine paid work with formal training and are fixed-term for 12 months.

Successful candidates will study at the University of Sheffield for one day each week and spend the remaining four days working within LMWS.

Placement organisations

• Inspire North
• Northpoint
• Touchstone

What the role involves

Trainee PWPs support people experiencing common mental health difficulties within Step 2 of the stepped care model. The role involves carrying out assessments, building up a caseload over time, offering Guided Self Help for mild to moderate anxiety and depression, and supporting service users through both clinic-based and online interventions.

Trainees will also shadow qualified PWPs, help run and observe groups, and use an online support platform called Silvercloud. As part of the role, you must stay alert to changes in client presentation, assess safety and risk, and provide appropriate support or signposting when LMWS is not the best service to meet the client’s needs.

After qualification, PWPs are expected to work more independently and cover one late shift per week until 7pm.

Training and workload

This is a dual role, so you will need to manage both your professional responsibilities and your university coursework. Study will be required outside normal working hours. The service says it aims to be supportive and realistic when helping trainees balance caseload demands with academic commitments.

Interview process

• Initial interviews are scheduled for 4th, 5th and 6th August.
• Shortlisted candidates will then attend a further interview with the university.
• The advert may close earlier than planned if a high number of applications is received.

About the employer

Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust delivers community-based healthcare across Leeds, including services in people’s homes, local health centres and community hospitals. The organisation works closely with other local Trusts, charities and Leeds City Council. It has a values-led culture focused on high-quality care and was rated Good by the CQC, with Adult Services rated Outstanding for caring.

Benefits

Benefits include generous annual leave and access to NHS discount platforms. The employer also points candidates to its careers section for the full benefits package.

Right to work

This position is based in the UK, and employment depends on meeting UK right-to-work rules. You must already have the right to work in the UK through UK or Irish citizenship, the EU Settlement Scheme, or another relevant work visa. If sponsorship is not available for this post, applicants should carefully check whether they are eligible before applying.

Eligibility and entry requirements

Applicants need a Level 6 qualification and at least 2 years’ experience working with clients with a broad range of mental health conditions. Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to supporting people with mental health needs are also expected. Entry requirements for the university training route are available on the University of Sheffield programme page.

Diversity statement

LMWS says it is committed to reflecting the diversity of the community it serves and especially welcomes applications from people from under-represented communities.