Counselling jobs in Hattersley

We are currently recruiting for a qualified Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an innovative service providing Talking Therapies, previously known as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program.

Immediate interviews available via MS Teams or In-person.

The successful post holders must hold an IAPT PWP qualification, be enthusiastic, hardworking, and ideally have experience of working with people with a range of disabilities. You will also be able to work to meet specified targets in order to deliver a high-quality tier-two PWP service.

You will work with individuals aged 16+ within the framework of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, with a focus on neurodivergence and learning disabilities.

You will be part of a wider range of services operated by Pure Innovations, including Employment, Community Engagement, Mental Health Support, and Disability Services. PWPs will deliver a variety of evidence-based interventions, including face-to-face, telephone, and digital-based options.

Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities – Step 2 Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner

As a Step 2 provider within the Talking Therapies framework, the postholder will deliver low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions in line with NICE guidelines and the Talking Therapies Manual. The role is central to early intervention, supporting individuals with mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

Key Duties:

• Conduct timely and comprehensive triage and assessments, including risk assessments, for clients referred to the service, in accordance with NICE guidance and Talking Therapies best practice.
• Deliver a range of low-intensity, evidence-based psychological interventions (e.g., guided self-help, psychoeducation, behavioural activation) via telephone, face-to-face, digital, and group formats.
• Work within a structured, time-limited framework to support clients in achieving measurable outcomes.
• Identify when clients require a higher level of care and facilitate appropriate “step up” referrals to Step 3 or other specialist services, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Make appropriate onward referrals to statutory and voluntary sector services where additional support is needed.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality in line with professional, legal, and organisational standards.
• Effectively prioritise and manage a personal caseload in line with Talking Therapies KPIs, ensuring reliable recovery and measurable improvement outcomes through clinical excellence, timely interventions, and proactive discharge planning.
• Support clients in accessing wider wellbeing opportunities, including social prescribing, community engagement, and peer support.
• Apply creative problem-solving to overcome barriers to engagement and recovery.
• Provide individualised support to manage risk and promote safety.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on all client interactions, assessments, and care plans using appropriate systems (e.g., PC-MIS).
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to ensure coordinated, holistic care.
• Promote client independence, resilience, and recovery through strengths-based approaches and onward signposting.
• Identify and strengthen natural support networks within the community.
• Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
• Meet agreed performance targets (e.g., recovery rates, access, waiting times) and contribute to service monitoring and evaluation.
• Participate in clinical supervision, team meetings, and service development activities.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, training, and reflective practice to maintain clinical competence.
• Stay informed of relevant legislation, NICE guidance, and service developments.
• Adhere to all Pure Innovations policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Raise concerns or safeguarding issues promptly and appropriately.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
• Maintain a professional appearance and uphold the values of the organisation.
• Challenge discrimination and poor practice where observed.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Line Manager to support service delivery.

General Requirements

• Champion and uphold Pure Innovations Values and Behaviours.
• Comply with and promote Pure Innovations Equality and Diversity policy, embracing through personal example open commitment and clear action that diversity is positively valued across the organisation.
• Be available to attend team meetings, one-to-ones, and relevant training when requested to do so.
• Safeguarding – be willing to raise any concerns with regard to client abuse, mistreatment, and the management of risk in line with the Safeguarding policies of Pure Innovations and our partner agencies.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, including maintaining appropriate registration and revalidation with BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) or BPS (British Psychological Society), as applicable, and upholding the requirements of regulated professional bodies.

· Return and maintain a full, clear, and up-to-date enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check (conducted by Pure Innovations)

• Any other duties commensurate with the post.

Person Specification

· Relevant Qualification/PWP IAPT post-grad.

· Positive commitment to further training and self-development.

· Eligible for registration with BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) or BPS (British Psychological Society)

Experience

· Experience working in a therapeutic environment.

· Experience in motivating people.

· Experience of co-ordinating/facilitating meetings.

· Experience of working with vulnerable people.

· Experience working with or supporting people who have a disability.

· Experience of delivering Group sessions.

Knowledge

· Evidence of an ability to make sound judgements and decisions on a day-to-day basis.

· Knowledge of relevant frameworks, guidelines, standards and governance.

· Strong clinical skills in delivering low-intensity interventions

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills when working with vulnerable people, parents, professionals, and colleagues.

· Competent & comfortable using I.T. skills including PC MIS, Excel, Microsoft office.

· Ability to produce high-quality reports, presentations and other documents/literature including Initial Assessments, Risk Assessments and Support Plans.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Pure Innovations is an equal opportunity employer and a proud supporter of the Disability Confident scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant. If you have a disability or are a member of the armed forces community, please let us know, and you will be automatically invited to interview, provided you meet the essential criteria.

Additionally, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or support with the recruitment process.

Pay: £28,982.00 per year

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Referral programme

Application question(s):

• 1. Do you hold a recognised Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) qualification (e.g. an accredited PGCert or PGDip in Low-Intensity CBT) and are you eligible for BABCP PWP registration?

(A counselling qualification or psychology degree (BSc/MSc) alone does not meet this essential requirement and is not considered equivalent to an accredited Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) qualification.)

• 2. This role requires regular weekday face-to-face appointments in Stockport, as well as the delivery of psychoeducational group sessions as part of the service. Are you able and willing to meet these requirements?
• Please note that holding a recognised PWP qualification is an essential requirement for this role. Eligibility for the BABCP PWP Register requires successful completion of an accredited PWP training programme (PGCert/PGDip in Low-Intensity CBT). Unfortunately, applicants who do not hold this qualification will not be eligible to progress with their application.

Are you still suitable?

Licence/Certification:

• UK Driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use? (required)

Work Location: In person