Job summary

Northumberland Talking Therapies has an exciting opportunity to recruit a qualified PWP who holds accreditation with either the BABCP or BPS and is keen to develop their skills and experience within our organisation, working to deliver low intensity service provision to residents from the Northumberland area. The position can be offered as a minimum of 22.5 hours or up to and including full time. You will be based in one of our Northumberland offices (likely to be either our Morpeth or Blyth office), but this is a hybrid position with home working options available for part of the week.

The post-holder will work within a service where caseload is monitored on booked appointments, and which offers fantastic progression opportunities from supervisor training to trainee high-intensity CBT positions.

The post-holder will provide low intensity interventions including a range of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based self-management interventions to clients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. We are proud to be an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, and applicants must be committed to upholding the principles of equal opportunities.

The successful candidate will have completed an academic course of study in line with the Low Intensity National Programme and be qualified as a PWP (e.g. PG Cert Low Intensity Psychological Therapies)

Main duties of the job

In this role you will:

Undertake triage assessments

Provide a range of low intensity interventions through guided self-help and computerised CBT, via telephone, video and face to face appointments.

Facilitate step 2 psycho educational online groups

Have the opportunity to contribute to a number of innovative service improvement projects. The service has a number of Special Interest Groups which seek to improve and innovate the service offered to the area. This includes but is not limited to perinatal, long term health conditions, and young people.

Have the opportunity to act as a mentor to trainee PWPs

Attend regular line management, case management and clinical skills supervision

Work closely with other PWPs to support one another and utilise skills and knowledge

Attend CPD events

About us

The salary for this post is NHS comparable, and the successful applicant will be employed on Sunderland Counselling Service (SCS) terms and conditions.

The successful candidate will be entitled to benefits such as access to our 24/7 employee assistance programme to support wellbeing. The service is committed to supporting a work life balance and offers an enhanced 30 days annual leave per year (pro-rata)

Applications are invited from candidates who are able to meet the requirements of the person specification.

We would encourage applicants from all backgrounds with relevant qualifications and experience to apply.

If you wish to enquire about this post please contact either of the Step 2 Leads -

Hayley Armstrong ([email protected])

Sarah Coles ([email protected]

Job summary

Sunderland Counselling Service (SCS) is excited to be working alongside Primary Care Networks (PCN) in Sunderland to develop and enhance the high intensity service provision across the city for patients who have one or more long-term conditions or are in receipt of fit notes as part of the Fit Talk Programme with the aim to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.

The post holder will be qualified and accredited within one or more recognised Talking Therapies High Intensity modalities which must include High Intensity CBT. Secondary training in other recognised talking therapies modalities such as Person-Centred Counselling for Depression (CfD), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing MDR EMDR) is welcomed.

This is an exciting opportunity to intervene early with clients who have co-morbidity issues to enhance their emotional resilience and prevent further longer-term mental health distress.

This is an in person position and the post holder will be expected to work primarily from the SCS base in Sunderland, along with a range of GP surgeries and community venues to best meet client needs. Some interventions may be offered over the phone and on-line, so the ability to work confidentiality from home may also be required.

Main duties of the job

The High Intensity CBT Therapistwill work outside of a traditional talking therapies service, this pathway is a fully compliant Talking Therapies offer and therapists will be expected to adhere to all requirements of the NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual.

They will complete assessments and provide appropriate community-based interventions for clients with a range of complex problems relating to anxiety and depression and for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.

The post holder will be employed on SCS terms and conditions and offered an NHS comparable agenda for change Band Seven salary subject to qualification and accreditation status.

They work closely with the PCN teams to develop effective pathways and referral routes for patients who may benefit from this intervention. They will be expected to effectively comply with the SCS Clinical and Information Governance requirements and hold appropriate access to PCN systems as relevant to the role.

The post holder will work with people with diverse cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

This will be a permanent position subject to a successful probationary period of three months.

Applications will be accepted until 11.59pm on the 18th October but we reserve the right to close the application process early if we receive a high volume of submissions. Interviews are expected to take place soon after.

About us

SCS provides a range of services across the North East region offering psychological therapies including counselling and cognitive behavioural therapies to children and adults, as well as wrap around support to help enhance emotional and mental wellbeing.

The post-holder will be provided with regular line management, clinical and case management supervision by staff based within SCS or outsourced to specialist providers where required according to their modality.

The successful candidate will be entitled to benefits such as 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, access to our 24/7 employee assistance programme, Cycle2Work Scheme, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, training and being part of a supportive team which emphasises the importance of continuing personal and professional development.

SCS may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) detection tools to identify whether an application has been completed using AI.

We expect that AI may be used to enhance your application such as refining and clarifying your ideas and thoughts and checking for grammar and spelling. However, applications where AI has been used to invent or inflate your skills and experiences or create generic responses will be rejected.

To verify you have written your application please add the following to the bottom of your application:

"I confirm that the content of this application is my own work and has not been generated by artificial intelligence tools beyond basic editing or proofreading."

Details

Date posted

25 September 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £49,387 subject to qualification & accreditation

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

B0330-26-0018

Job locations

51 John Street

Sunderland

SR1 1QN

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIPS

Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information e.g. personal, familial, medical or attachment issues. This would include the ability to foster engagement and overcome barriers where there may be a highly emotive, hostile or antagonistic atmosphere.

Ability to communicate highly complex condition related information to service users/clients, families and carers or with other agencies.

Ability to liaise with and provide consultation to professionals working in universal, targeted or specialist services.

Ability to develop and foster good working relationships and effective communication with:

Members of SCS team

Members of the PCN teams

Individuals who use the service

Other professional teams within the PCN

Other agencies involved in client care e.g. voluntary agencies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

A recorded and registered qualification in a minimum of one or more of the recognised Talking Therapies (TT) Modalities including High Intensity CBT.

An understanding of NICE guidance relevant to depression and anxiety disorders and how these may present in primary care.

An awareness of the competencies and meta competencies required to deliver a recognised TT modality.

Demonstrates an understanding of a TT modality and how this may be used in clinical practice.

An understanding of and ability to effectively use clinical measures within therapy.

Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services.

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the impact locally, including completion of safeguarding training.

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

Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of the impact of long-term conditions and their impact on mental and emotional wellbeing.

Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding employment and the impact it can have on mental health.

Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems.

Demonstrates a clear of understanding of risk and risk formulation.

ANALYTICAL AND JUDGEMENTAL SKILLS

Ability to provide a detailed assessment based upon the appropriate use, understanding and combination of clinical information available, including self-reporting information, self-rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations as well as interviews with patients, their family members and other agencies involved in their care within a complex nature.

Ability to undertake a thorough risk assessment based on the information available for individual patients, develop a risk contingency plan and manage or refer to the appropriate treatment stream/service as appropriate.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PATIENT/CLIENT CARE

Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service.

Assess clients for suitability for an appropriate talking therapy, such as CBT or PCE-CfD, etc.

Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the service referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary.

Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for the formal psychological treatment and/or management of a clients mental health problems, based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the clients problems, and employing methods based upon evidence of efficacy.

Carry out risk and safeguarding assessments/formulations in clinical practice and follow the agreed service protocols to manage risk effectively.

To work with clients who are at current risk of suicide or self-harm where appropriate.

Educate and involve family members and others in treatment where appropriate, conveying formulations where appropriate with sensitivity and in easily understood language.

Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.

Attend meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.

Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. e.g. ensure full MDS collected for sessions, record provisional working diagnosis and utilise ADSMs in line with service requirements and best clinical practice.

Maintain accurate clinical records in line with service and SCS policies and procedures.

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

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

Carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback.

Work clinically with interpreters.

Work into a number of locations as required by the service. This will be flexible and may change as and when required by the service, assist clients, patients and carers in accessing the most appropriate pathways through the mental health system.

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with GP Practices and the PCN(s).

Be an active member of the team, joining groups and attending meetings as required.

Provide consultancy to primary care colleagues and colleagues within the service as required.

Work collaboratively with PCN colleagues and partnership agencies where appropriate to provide a seamless service for clients.

POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice in accordance with employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. BABCP), 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).

Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.

Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in talking therapies.

Ensure that clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with clinical supervisors and team managers on a regular basis as part of the probationary and ongoing line management processes.

Attend clinical and managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with clinical supervisor and team leader.

Actively participate in individual appraisal process and work on agreed objectives and development plans.

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

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

Provide written reports as required.

Contribute to the service research projects as appropriate.

FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES

Safe use of shared equipment.

Ensure the preservation of SCS and any relevant NHS property and resources.

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

Engage in effective line management with an SCS Services Manager.

Be accountable to the SCS Clinical Management team for clinical practice and clinical supervision.

Actively participate in clinical supervision arrangements to meet the required standards of ongoing registration / accreditation status.

Providing supervision of other colleagues including trainee High Intensity Therapists and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, as well as trainees from other professional groups as appropriate.

FREEDOM TO ACT

Work independently whilst being guided by the appropriate evidence base, seeking supervision and support whenever required.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Combination of sitting, standing and walking.

MENTAL EFFORT

Provide intense concentration for interaction with service users/clients and families as required.

Undertake intensive personal analysis.

EMOTIONAL EFFORT

Frequently support clients with complex mental health, underlying physical health concerns, developmental issues, family breakdown, enduring and serious mental illness, sexual abuse, self-harming, suicidal ideation.

Job description Job responsibilities COMMUNICATION & RELATIONSHIPSProvide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information e.g. personal, familial, medical or attachment issues. This would include the ability to foster engagement and overcome barriers where there may be a highly emotive, hostile or antagonistic atmosphere.Ability to communicate highly complex condition related information to service users/clients, families and carers or with other agencies.Ability to liaise with and provide consultation to professionals working in universal, targeted or specialist services.Ability to develop and foster good working relationships and effective communication with: Members of SCS team Members of the PCN teamsIndividuals who use the service Other professional teams within the PCN Other agencies involved in client care e.g. voluntary agencies. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCEA recorded and registered qualification in a minimum of one or more of the recognised Talking Therapies (TT) Modalities including High Intensity CBT.An understanding of NICE guidance relevant to depression and anxiety disorders and how these may present in primary care.An awareness of the competencies and meta competencies required to deliver a recognised TT modality.Demonstrates an understanding of a TT modality and how this may be used in clinical practice.An understanding of and ability to effectively use clinical measures within therapy.Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services.Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the impact locally, including completion of safeguarding training.Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post.Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of the impact of long-term conditions and their impact on mental and emotional wellbeing.Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding employment and the impact it can have on mental health. Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems.Demonstrates a clear of understanding of risk and risk formulation.ANALYTICAL AND JUDGEMENTAL SKILLSAbility to provide a detailed assessment based upon the appropriate use, understanding and combination of clinical information available, including self-reporting information, self-rating scales, direct and indirect structured observations as well as interviews with patients, their family members and other agencies involved in their care within a complex nature.Ability to undertake a thorough risk assessment based on the information available for individual patients, develop a risk contingency plan and manage or refer to the appropriate treatment stream/service as appropriate.RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PATIENT/CLIENT CAREAccept referrals via agreed protocols within the service. Assess clients for suitability for an appropriate talking therapy, such as CBT or PCE-CfD, etc.Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the service referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary.Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for the formal psychological treatment and/or management of a clients mental health problems, based upon an appropriate conceptual framework of the clients problems, and employing methods based upon evidence of efficacy.Carry out risk and safeguarding assessments/formulations in clinical practice and follow the agreed service protocols to manage risk effectively.To work with clients who are at current risk of suicide or self-harm where appropriate.Educate and involve family members and others in treatment where appropriate, conveying formulations where appropriate with sensitivity and in easily understood language.Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient.Attend meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. e.g. ensure full MDS collected for sessions, record provisional working diagnosis and utilise ADSMs in line with service requirements and best clinical practice.Maintain accurate clinical records in line with service and SCS policies and procedures.Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-down and step-across arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process.Carry out clinical audits of service performance, including service user surveys and evaluations, and help to collate and disseminate the results for feedback. Work clinically with interpreters.Work into a number of locations as required by the service. This will be flexible and may change as and when required by the service, assist clients, patients and carers in accessing the most appropriate pathways through the mental health system.Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with GP Practices and the PCN(s).Be an active member of the team, joining groups and attending meetings as required.Provide consultancy to primary care colleagues and colleagues within the service as required.Work collaboratively with PCN colleagues and partnership agencies where appropriate to provide a seamless service for clients. POLICY AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENTEnsure the maintenance of standards of practice in accordance with employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. BABCP), 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).Ensure that client confidentiality is protected at all times.Be aware of and keep up to date with advances in talking therapies.Ensure that clear professional objectives are identified, discussed and reviewed with clinical supervisors and team managers on a regular basis as part of the probationary and ongoing line management processes.Attend clinical and managerial supervision on a regular basis as agreed with clinical supervisor and team leader. Actively participate in individual appraisal process and work on agreed objectives and development plans.Keep up to date records in relation to Continuing Professional Development and ensure personal development plans reflect up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.Attend relevant conferences / workshops in line with identified professional objectives.Provide written reports as required.Contribute to the service research projects as appropriate.FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCESSafe use of shared equipment.Ensure the preservation of SCS and any relevant NHS property and resources.MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISIONEngage in effective line management with an SCS Services Manager.Be accountable to the SCS Clinical Management team for clinical practice and clinical supervision. Actively participate in clinical supervision arrangements to meet the required standards of ongoing registration / accreditation status. Providing supervision of other colleagues including trainee High Intensity Therapists and Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, as well as trainees from other professional groups as appropriate.FREEDOM TO ACTWork independently whilst being guided by the appropriate evidence base, seeking supervision and support whenever required. PHYSICAL EFFORTCombination of sitting, standing and walking.MENTAL EFFORTProvide intense concentration for interaction with service users/clients and families as required.Undertake intensive personal analysis.EMOTIONAL EFFORT Frequently support clients with complex mental health, underlying physical health concerns, developmental issues, family breakdown, enduring and serious mental illness, sexual abuse, self-harming, suicidal ideation.

Person Specification

Attributes

Essential

• Ability to be self-reflective whilst working with service users and within personal and professional development and in supervision.
• Ability to work flexibly.
• Ability to work within a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to meet agreed / specified targets.
• High level of enthusiasm and motivation.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent time management skills.

Other

Essential

• Able to work from home.
• Able to meet the mobility requirements of
• the post
• Ability to attend away days/CPD as and when required.

Desirable

• Fluent in languages other than English.
• Experience of working with diverse communities and within a multicultural setting

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable experience of working in adult mental health ser

Desirable

• Experience of working in an adult Talking Therapies service.
• Experience of supporting clients with long-term conditions.
• Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
• Completed clinical audits within a service.
• Experience of working in a primary care setting.

Knowledge

Essential

• An understanding of NICE guidance relevant to depression and anxiety disorders and how these may present in primary care.
• An awareness of the competencies and meta competencies required to talking therapies, such as CBT.
• Demonstrates an understanding of talking therapies compliant modalities and how they may be used in clinical practice.
• Knowledge of psychological, social and biological models of depression and anxiety.
• An understanding of the usage of clinical measures within therapy.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the impact locally.
• Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding employment and the impact it can have on mental health.
• Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems.
• Demonstrates a clear of understanding of risk and risk formulation.
• Basic understanding of service contracts and performance targets and of the importance of recording activity.

Desirable

• Knowledge of long-term conditions and their impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
• Trained in the provision of supervision for a talking therapies compliant modality.

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Effective interpersonal skills to engage and develop working alliances with colleagues and patients.
• Evidence of an openness to learning new knowledge and skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to implement and evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired from training and supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with partner agencies for the best outcomes for clients.
• Ability to assess and formulate using a basic CBT model where appropriate.
• Ability to utilise basic CBT knowledge and skills in clinical practice.
• Computer literate.
• Ability to complete risk assessments within the scope of practice.

Qualifications

Essential

• A recorded/registered/accredited qualification in High Intensity CBT.
• Membership or accreditation with the appropriate registration body for this qualification.
• A recognised qualification in one of the core mental health professions recognised by BABCP, e.g. mental health nursing, practitioner psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy or counselling AND current registration/accreditation with the core professional body, OR evidence of having achieved the Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA) route to BABCP accreditation.

Desirable

• A second or more talking therapy compliant modality such as within one or more recognised Talking Therapies High Intensity modalities, such as Person Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) therapy and / or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
• Completion of an accredited course relating to working with long-term conditions within Low Intensity therapy.
• Evidence of post qualification training in clinical supervision
• Qualification level 2 BSL

Person Specification Attributes Essential Ability to be self-reflective whilst working with service users and within personal and professional development and in supervision. Ability to work flexibly. Ability to work within a rapidly changing environment. Ability to meet agreed / specified targets. High level of enthusiasm and motivation. Ability to work well under pressure. Excellent time management skills. Other Essential Able to work from home. Able to meet the mobility requirements of the post Ability to attend away days/CPD as and when required. Desirable Fluent in languages other than English. Experience of working with diverse communities and within a multicultural setting Experience Essential Demonstrable experience of working in adult mental health ser Desirable Experience of working in an adult Talking Therapies service. Experience of supporting clients with long-term conditions. Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes. Completed clinical audits within a service. Experience of working in a primary care setting. Knowledge Essential An understanding of NICE guidance relevant to depression and anxiety disorders and how these may present in primary care. An awareness of the competencies and meta competencies required to talking therapies, such as CBT. Demonstrates an understanding of talking therapies compliant modalities and how they may be used in clinical practice. Knowledge of psychological, social and biological models of depression and anxiety. An understanding of the usage of clinical measures within therapy. Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures and the impact locally. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post. Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding employment and the impact it can have on mental health. Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems. Demonstrates a clear of understanding of risk and risk formulation. Basic understanding of service contracts and performance targets and of the importance of recording activity. Desirable Knowledge of long-term conditions and their impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Trained in the provision of supervision for a talking therapies compliant modality. Skills and competencies Essential Effective interpersonal skills to engage and develop working alliances with colleagues and patients. Evidence of an openness to learning new knowledge and skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to implement and evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired from training and supervision. Ability to work effectively with partner agencies for the best outcomes for clients. Ability to assess and formulate using a basic CBT model where appropriate. Ability to utilise basic CBT knowledge and skills in clinical practice. Computer literate. Ability to complete risk assessments within the scope of practice. Qualifications Essential A recorded/registered/accredited qualification in High Intensity CBT. Membership or accreditation with the appropriate registration body for this qualification. A recognised qualification in one of the core mental health professions recognised by BABCP, e.g. mental health nursing, practitioner psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy or counselling AND current registration/accreditation with the core professional body, OR evidence of having achieved the Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA) route to BABCP accreditation. Desirable A second or more talking therapy compliant modality such as within one or more recognised Talking Therapies High Intensity modalities, such as Person Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Processing (EMDR) therapy and / or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). Completion of an accredited course relating to working with long-term conditions within Low Intensity therapy. Evidence of post qualification training in clinical supervision Qualification level 2 BSL

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information 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. UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Sunderland Counselling Service

Address

51 John Street

Sunderland

SR1 1QN

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://www.sunderlandcounselling.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Sunderland Counselling Service

Address

51 John Street

Sunderland

SR1 1QN

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://www.sunderlandcounselling.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Sunderland Talking Therapies to appoint a Qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. The position is full time hours (37.5 per week) for either a qualified PWP who holds a PWP accreditation or a Trainee PWP who is nearing the end of training due to be ratified, and wants to develop their skills and experience within our team. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

The successful candidate should:

• Have successfully completed an academic course of study in line with the IAPT Low Intensity National Programme and be qualified as a PWP (e.g. PG Cert Low Intensity Psychological Therapies)
• We are also interested in receiving applications from current Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners who are enrolled on a PG Cert in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies and are due to qualify. If you are a current Trainee PWP you would initially be employed at Band 4 and once marks have been ratified by your university examination board, and you have gained PWP registration this would be uplifted to a Band 5.
• Have a current registration with the BABCP or BPS, or be able to immediately apply for this once in post (PWPs will remain at band 4 until registration has been submitted and confirmed).

Main duties of the job

In this role you will:

• Undertake triage screening assessments and make onward referrals
• Provide a range of low intensity interventions e.g. guided self-help (both telephone, online consultation and face-to-face), psycho-educational courses and computerised CBT
• Have the opportunity to contribute to a number of innovative service improvement projects, champion roles and specialist interest groups
• Liaise with external agencies and services to promote Sunderland Talking Therapies

• Have the opportunity to act as a mentor to trainee PWPs
• Work closely with other PWPs to support one another and utilise skills and knowledge
• Work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team and engage in team huddles

About us

What we offer:

• Regular opportunities for ongoing continuing personal development either through in house training workshops or external training events
• Monthly line management
• Weekly case management supervision
• Fortnightly clinical skills supervision
• Monthly PWP meeting
• 30 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus statutory bank holidays
• This service is an 8-8 service weekdays. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the shifts required to meet patient demand. The current expectation is that all PWPs work 1 evening per week.

Enquires regarding the posts can be made to Jess Fawcett or Liz King (Low Intensity Service Leads) via [email protected].

Interviews for this post will likely take place on 14th October 2026.

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within NHS Sunderland Talking Therapies to appoint a TTAD High Intensity Therapist trained in CBT, IPT or EMDR on a 12 month fixed term basis.

The service is currently delivered within the NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (TTAD) model which is provided in partnership between Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Sunderland Counselling Service and Washington Mind.

We are a dynamic and dedicated team that offers a range of psychological therapies and services to treat people and support their recovery within a stepped care model. The team is made up of around 80+ clinicians including Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners, High Intensity Therapists, Community Practitioners, a Dual Diagnosis Specialist, Employment Support Advisors and a Counsellor.

The post-holder will work within the TTAD service providing High Intensity Therapy to clients experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and depression presentations. We are an innovative service and deliver therapy via telephone and online consultation alongside face to face appointments. You must be able to demonstrate that you have a strong commitment to high quality client care, good organisational skills, can prioritise your workload and have excellent communication skills.

This service is 8-8 service weekdays; with some Saturday working required. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the shifts required.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be part of a NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (TTAD) service and will provide High Intensity Therapy interventions utilising one of the TTAD recognised therapies of CBT, IPT or EMDR. The post holder will work with clients who have a range of anxiety and depression related presentations using NICE Guidance recommended therapy. You should be adult trained and have experience of delivering therapy to adults.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

Job summary

Durham and Darlington Talking Therapies Service is looking to recruit a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to provide low intensity interventions to people presenting with mild to moderate anxiety and depression as well as other common mental health problems. PWP's will provide this support using a range of mediums including face to face, telephone, video and computerised packages

The successful candidate will work into our Easington Team and form part of a team consisting of qualified and trainee CBT/EMDR/IPT Therapists, CfD trained Counsellors and qualified and trainee PWP's

Within the Durham & Darlington service, PWP's are able to access weekly clinical supervisions, monthly clinical skills supervision and monthly management supervisions which will allow individuals to reflect on their practice and ensure they are well supported in the work they provide to patients.

Due to the requirement for PWP's to be BABCP/BPS Accredited practitioners, we actively encourage staff to attend CPD relevant to their role and provide support to ensure that individuals are accessing further training.

We regularly support PWP's to attend further training such as LTC and PWP Supervision training and we are keen advocates of developing our staff to take on varied responsibilities.

In addition to this, further in house training is regularly arranged as part of Clinical skills supervision.

Main duties of the job

As part of this role, successful candidates will be expected to:

• Conduct one to one Guided Self Help Sessions, face to face and using remote modes of delivery
• Conduct reviews using the Computerised CBT Package (SilverCloud)
• Provide support to Online Psychoeducational Classes
• Conduct Single Point of Access assessment appointment
• Facilitate Referrals to other health care providers in both physical health and mental health settings
• Engaging in clinical and managerial supervision

About us

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care --our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner to join our established Talking Therapies service in County Durham and Darlington. Talking Therapies is a well-established Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service that has been providing psychological interventions to people across County Durham and Darlington since 2010.

Main duties of the job

As a Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, you will work within the Talking Therapies service whilst undertaking a programme of university-based training. You will progressively develop the knowledge and skills required to deliver low-intensity psychological interventions at high volume to people experiencing common mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression. You will split your time between university attendance and working within the service, conducting assessments and providing face-to-face and remote low-intensity psychological interventions. The role will also involve extending psychological intervention support to adults with an intellectual/learning disability who are experiencing concurrent common mental health problems. You will receive excellent support throughout your training, including extensive clinical and caseload supervision, as well as opportunities for ongoing professional development. It is an expectation of the role that successful candidates seek BABCP accreditation following six months of relevant patient contact.

About us

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity delivering innovative, life-changing mental health support for individuals and communities across the UK. Through our diverse range of services, we help people improve their mental wellbeing, overcome barriers and lead fulfilling lives. Everything we do is people focused. Whether supporting those who access our services or investing in the wellbeing and development of our colleagues, people are at the heart of MHM. Our workforce is the driving force behind our success, and we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and values-led environment where talented individuals can thrive and make a meaningful difference. By joining MHM, you'll become part of a compassionate and ambitious organisation that is committed to improving mental health, promoting recovery and creating positive change in communities across the country.

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Sunderland Talking Therapies to appoint a Qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. The position is full time hours (37.5 per week) for either a qualified PWP who holds a PWP accreditation or a Trainee PWP who is nearing the end of training due to be ratified, and wants to develop their skills and experience within our team. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equal opportunities.

The successful candidate should:

• Have successfully completed an academic course of study in line with the IAPT Low Intensity National Programme and be qualified as a PWP (e.g. PG Cert Low Intensity Psychological Therapies)
• We are also interested in receiving applications from current Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners who are enrolled on a PG Cert in Low Intensity Psychological Therapies and are due to qualify. If you are a current Trainee PWP you would initially be employed at Band 4 and once marks have been ratified by your university examination board, and you have gained PWP registration this would be uplifted to a Band 5.
• Have a current registration with the BABCP or BPS, or be able to immediately apply for this once in post (PWPs will remain at band 4 until registration has been submitted and confirmed).

Main duties of the job

In this role you will:

• Undertake triage screening assessments and make onward referrals
• Provide a range of low intensity interventions e.g. guided self-help (both telephone, online consultation and face-to-face), psycho-educational courses and computerised CBT
• Have the opportunity to contribute to a number of innovative service improvement projects, champion roles and specialist interest groups
• Liaise with external agencies and services to promote Sunderland Talking Therapies

• Have the opportunity to act as a mentor to trainee PWPs
• Work closely with other PWPs to support one another and utilise skills and knowledge
• Work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team and engage in team huddles

About us

What we offer:

• Regular opportunities for ongoing continuing personal development either through in house training workshops or external training events
• Monthly line management
• Weekly case management supervision
• Fortnightly clinical skills supervision
• Monthly PWP meeting
• 30 days annual leave (pro-rata) plus statutory bank holidays
• This service is an 8-8 service weekdays. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the shifts required to meet patient demand. The current expectation is that all PWPs work 1 evening per week.

Enquires regarding the posts can be made to Jess Fawcett or Liz King (Low Intensity Service Leads) via [email protected].

Interviews for this post will likely take place on 23rd September 2026.