Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

Job overview

NELFT NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to join its growing Talking Therapies service in Barking & Dagenham. The role is open to both newly qualified and experienced PWPs who hold the IAPT-specific certificate in Low Intensity Psychological Interventions. Applications will not be progressed without this qualification. The team also welcomes candidates who are close to completing their training and are looking for their first qualified position. New starters benefit from a structured preceptorship programme designed to support the move into practice and strengthen confidence and clinical ability.

What you will do

• Provide evidence-based low-intensity CBT interventions for people experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression, delivered both remotely and in person.
• Help run the group programme and support group-based interventions.
• Keep clinical records accurate and up to date, while following Trust policies and procedures.
• Take part in team meetings and contribute ideas that improve the service.

Main responsibilities

You will work as part of a collaborative and energetic team, while also being able to manage your own caseload and work independently within recognised professional standards and service procedures. The post is offered on a permanent basis. Clinical staff are expected to work one late shift each week, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The service uses a blended working model, with time split between home and office, and this arrangement will continue to be reviewed according to service needs.

Support for PWPs is strong and includes daily clinicians on duty, weekly case management supervision, group clinical skills supervision, peer reflection space focused on wellbeing, and additional supervision for long-term conditions and group work.

The service also provides an internal training programme with monthly development sessions covering advanced topics that help strengthen assessment skills and build knowledge in areas such as PTSD, grief, and health anxiety. This is especially useful for newly qualified staff who want to build on their training. There are also chances to join training delivered through external providers, and staff are encouraged to help identify further learning needs.

The Step 2 team includes a PWP Lead, four Senior PWPs, qualified and trainee PWPs, and Therapy Assistants. The wider multidisciplinary team also includes Counsellors, Cognitive Behavioural Therapists, a physical activity co-ordinator, and employment advisors. This is a chance for qualified PWPs to progress by delivering guided self-help and other low-intensity interventions over 6–8 sessions. Experience or interest in group work is valued, and there are opportunities to co-facilitate groups with Step 3 clinicians.

The service has an active community engagement function that promotes awareness through events and psychoeducational workshops. Participation in outreach is encouraged, as is involvement in Special Interest Groups focused on long-term conditions, perinatal mental health, and LGBTQI+. In line with Trust values, ongoing professional development is strongly supported, including access to external learning such as PWP supervision training and long-term conditions training through University College London.

Registration

You must hold BABCP or BPS accreditation as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, or be working towards accreditation through submission of the relevant portfolio to the BABCP.

Starting with NELFT

New starters are welcomed through a structured onboarding process. All new employees begin on the first Monday of the month and complete an induction of up to two weeks, covering mandatory training, systems training, and equipment allocation. The induction also provides opportunities to meet the executive team and senior managers, and to attend drop-in sessions on engagement, health and wellbeing, and key organisational processes. Induction takes place at the head office in Rainham, Essex.

Probation

This appointment is subject to a probationary period. Internal applicants are exempt unless they are already part way through probation or are currently bank staff.

High Cost Area Supplement

This post attracts a High Cost Area Supplement for Outer London (B&D, Redbridge, Havering, and Waltham Forest). The supplement is 15% of basic salary, with a minimum of £4,870 and a maximum of £6,137 per year, pro rata for part-time staff.

Working for the Trust

Joining #TeamNELFT means becoming part of a friendly and supportive environment. The Trust is rated Good by the CQC and is working toward an Outstanding rating. NELFT operates across North East London and Essex, delivering community and mental healthcare for adults and children.

The organisation has award-winning equality and diversity initiatives, staff health and wellbeing programmes, and a strong commitment to employee development. It is recognised as a Level 3 Disability Confident Leader, has been named in the Working Families Top 10 Employers benchmark for five consecutive years, and holds Carers UK Level 1 Accreditation. Staff networks and learning opportunities help maintain a fair, inclusive, and compassionate workplace culture.

Employment details

This is a permanent part-time position with a blended working arrangement. The role requires one late evening per week (12:00 pm to 8:00 pm).