Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

NHS; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to join a newly developed service within the NHS, focusing on mental health support in the Criminal Justice System. The role involves conducting assessments and delivering interventions to improve access to mental health care for individuals involved in the justice system. Support for career development and specialized supervision is provided.

Qualifications

• Accredited PWP qualification required.
• Experience in mental health settings (minimum 2 years).
• Experience providing individual or group interventions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments within the court environment.
• Deliver primary care interventions alongside Probation colleagues.
• Develop care plans and deliver psychological interventions.

Skills

High-level communication skills

Understanding of mental health issues

Computer literacy

Education

Qualification from an accredited BPS or BABCP PWP programme

Further postgraduate training in relevant areas

Tools

SPSS

Job description

Go back Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

The closing date is 05 June 2025

This post offers a unique opportunity to be part of a newly developed service delivering Primary Care assessments and interventions as part of Mental Health Treatment Requirements (MHTR) in the Criminal Justice System, as directed by courts in the North East.

This service works alongside CNTW's well-established Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Team (CJLD), which has an excellent reputation with courts, police, and probation partners in identifying individuals with such needs and signposting to relevant services.

The MHTR service provides direct treatment interventions for those requiring primary care interventions, aiming to improve access to mental health support and reduce reoffending behaviors.

The post will interest those with experience in delivering psychological treatment under supervision, including Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners who have completed initial training and have experience or interest in working within the Criminal Justice field. Mental health professionals eligible for a Band 5 role and with qualifications in accredited therapy may also find this opportunity appealing.

Support for career development is available, including CPD opportunities within CJLD, wider secure care services, and across CNTW.

Main duties of the job

The successful applicant will conduct assessments within the court environment and deliver primary care interventions alongside Probation colleagues, as directed by care plans approved by the Principal Psychologist/Clinical Lead, who will provide clinical supervision and daily management. Specialist CBT supervision is also available to maintain accreditation.

We seek a practitioner with experience in providing psychological interventions to cover North East court footprints within Northumberland, Tyne and Wear. The practitioner will conduct assessments, develop care plans, and deliver primary care interventions.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented, and committed workforce that is caring and compassionate, capable of meeting the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. We offer a dynamic working environment to build your career.

MHTR offers up to 12 sessions of tailored, psychological talking therapy, including neurodiverse-friendly and trauma-informed care, supporting clients with mental health difficulties linked to offending behavior. We collaborate closely with probation colleagues, conducting initial meetings with clients, probation practitioners, and other CSTR providers, then beginning therapy interventions in probation offices or remotely, based on client preference.

Our impact: Although still evolving, data shows MHTR interventions significantly benefit psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, with 65% of clients experiencing positive reliable change in at least one area.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description for full details.

Closing date: 5th June 2025

We welcome your application. The advert may close early if sufficient applications are received. Interviews will be held from 17th-19th June 2025.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Qualification from an accredited BPS or BABCP PWP programme
• Eligibility for accreditation with BPS or BABCP as a PWP
• Further postgraduate training in relevant areas of psychology, mental health practice, and/or research design and analysis

Knowledge and Experience

• Paid or unpaid work with individuals with mental health problems and/or disabilities, including experience as an assistant/research psychologist (minimum 2 years). Knowledge of evidence-based practice.
• Experience providing individual or group interventions
• Experience in direct care provision, ideally within forensic and/or community settings
• Experience with psychometric test administration and interpretation

Skills

• High-level communication skills (written and oral), with the ability to handle highly emotive circumstances and communicate sensitive information effectively. Strong report writing skills.
• Understanding of the needs and challenges faced by people with mental health issues and disabilities, with the ability to apply psychological knowledge in mental health, cognitive impairment, or neurodiversity contexts.
• Computer literacy, including database use and data analysis (e.g., SPSS). Demonstrates graduate-level research knowledge and methodology.
• An understanding of psychology applied to healthcare.
• Ability to meet travel requirements of the role.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure check will be required to review any criminal convictions.