In the new Psychological Skills Service (PSS) in Cambridge, we have an exciting opportunity for a compassionate, motivated, and enthusiastic therapeutic support worker to perform a primary role in the delivery of skills that are underpinned by brief psychological interventions.
The Psychological Skills Service was initiated by the Exemplar initiative in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Trust (CPFT). CPFT was chosen by NHS England as one of the national exemplary pilot sites for the redesign and transformation of primary and community mental health provision. The purpose of this transformation project was to develop and execute a new service paradigm that is designed to eliminate existing service gaps and establish a more cohesive mental health care pathway.
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PSS was founded to address service provision shortages, and we currently provide interventions to clients who would have been unable to access primary and secondary care otherwise. The PSS is a trauma-informed service, as it acknowledges that the majority of clients referred to the PSS have experienced some form of trauma in their lives.
Key Points:
- Job Type: Full Time
- Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Salary: 25,147 – 27,596 £ / Year
- Company: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
Duties of Therapeutic Support Worker Jobs in UK:
You will be a member of a team that comprises clinical and counseling psychologists, clinical associate psychologists (CAPs), assistant psychologists, and CBT therapists. Furthermore, our team administration is composed of professionals with expertise in the areas of mental health nursing, occupational therapy, and social work.
As a therapeutic support worker, you will be responsible for providing psychologically informed support and psychological skills to a group of individuals who were previously declared “not ready” for psychological therapy.
The following responsibilities will be executed on a daily basis in accordance with the position:
- Demonstrating a dedication to safety in order to cultivate a sense of security by establishing relationships with the consumer.
- Delivering and instructing psychological capabilities. Particularly those that are designed to aid individuals in the stabilization phase of their rehabilitation from complex trauma. For instance, anxiety management
- A state of depression
- Gradual exposure
- Attending to the sounds of voices
- Empowerment skills are implemented to aid individuals in the identification of recovery objectives that are significant to them and the formulation of their own decisions.
- The following are the objectives of support work: to enhance connections with their community, reduce feelings of isolation, increase interest in and participation in activities, enhance independent living abilities, and practice skills.
- Collaborate with clinicians on the team to provide assistance and facilitate group interventions.
- To complete the necessary correspondence and reports regarding the interventions that were implemented.
- It would be beneficial to have prior experience or knowledge in the delivery of concise psychological skills.
About us
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health and social care organization that is dedicated to the provision of high-quality care with compassion. Our objective is to improve the health and well-being of the individuals under our care, as well as to foster and assist them in leading a fulfilling life.
In addition to inpatient and primary care settings, our clinical teams offer a diverse array of NHS services to the community. The following services are included in this package: forensic and specialist mental health, learning disabilities, primary care and liaison psychiatry, substance misuse, social care, research and development, and the mental and physical health of children, adults, and elderly individuals.
We endeavor to recruit exceptional candidates who are in accordance with our vision and principles in order to achieve our goal. We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage applications from all aspects of the community, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups, including disabled individuals, members of our ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
Responsibilities of Therapeutic Support Worker Jobs:
Please be advised that this position requires the capacity to travel independently throughout the county while operating within strict time constraints. You will be required to have access to a vehicle and possess a full UK driving license. Public transportation is not a viable option for this position, as it is unreliable and will not allow you to meet the necessary service standards. Please confirm that you meet the criteria outlined in your application.
- To facilitate the coordination and delivery of brief psychological intervention skills that are derived from the team’s capabilities.
- To develop BPI skills, including graded exposure programs for clients when appropriate, such as graded exposure for anxiety, anxiety management, and problem solving, as well as coping with voices and behavioral activation..
- To provide instruction in psychological skills, including self-soothing, challenging beliefs, and breathing techniques.
- To conclude discharge letters for interventions that were performed under the supervision and direction of a qualified professional
- To contribute to the development of referral guidelines, exclusion criteria, and consumers who may benefit from this service, please provide feedback from your experiences.
- To ascertain when clients require interventions from other services and subsequently make a prompt referral as needed.
- To enable the development of concise psychological interventions and templates for formulation-driven support
- In order to communicate verbally with clients, caregivers, and colleagues in a manner that is effective, it is necessary to adjust one’s communication style to engage clients, meet their needs, and employ motivational interviewing skills as needed. In circumstances where clients encounter communication difficulties, such as hearing loss, diminished vision, cognitive impairment, or neurodiversity adaptations, this may involve the application of skills to adjust strategies.
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with other healthcare professionals, clients, caregivers, and colleagues.
- To assess the level of understanding of treatment proposals by patients, obtain valid informed consent, and operate within a legal framework when interacting with clients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment
- Enrolling in relevant internal and external courses is essential for the acquisition of pertinent information or the expansion of one’s knowledge.
- Administer psychological skills interventions and maintain a clinical caseload while under supervision.
- To assist the psychology team in the development of individual or group clinical materials or training materials, including the development of group interventions and treatment manuals.
- In an effort to aid the trainee CAPs in the evaluation, publication, and implementation of Brief Psychological Interventions (BPIs), as required.
- To conduct oneself in a manner that is consistent with a psychologically informed framework for the service
- To assess and reduce risk within an appropriate psychological framework.
- In anticipation of multidisciplinary treatment assessments, to work in conjunction with other personnel to assess the care of clients.
Benefits of Therapeutic Support Worker Jobs:
- Job Satisfaction: TSWs frequently experience a high degree of job satisfaction as a result of assisting individuals in enhancing their quality of life, achieving their objectives, and achieving greater independence. The profoundly rewarding effect on clients’ lives is possible.
- Personal Satisfaction: In addition to nurturing a sense of accomplishment and pride in one’s work, the position also offers a sense of personal fulfillment and purpose as one contributes to the wellness and recovery of others.
- Growing Demand: The demand for therapeutic support workers is on the rise as a result of the geriatric population and the growing awareness of mental health issues. This demand offers a variety of employment opportunities and job security.
- Diverse Work Environments: TSWs have the opportunity to work in a diverse range of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, community health organizations, schools, residential care facilities, and private residences, which provides a diverse range of work environments.
- Professional Development: A multitude of employers provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities, which enable TSWs to consistently improve their skills and knowledge. This may encompass seminars, certifications, and specialized training programs.
- Career Advancement: The experience acquired as a therapeutic support worker may result in additional career opportunities in related disciplines, including clinical psychology, occupational therapy, social work, or counseling..
- Flexibility: TSW positions frequently provide the option of working part-time, full-time, or shift work. This adaptability can assist in the attainment of a more favorable work-life balance.
- Team Collaboration: The role of a TSW entails the establishment of a supportive and collaborative work environment by collaborating with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists.
- Skill Development: The position contributes to the cultivation of a diverse array of abilities, such as adaptability, empathy, problem-solving, communication, and tolerance. These abilities are advantageous in both personal and professional environments.
- Impactful Relationships: TSWs establish meaningful relationships with clients, their families, and other care providers. These connections can be emotionally rewarding and foster a strong sense of community.
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- Knowledge of specific mental health conditions and forms of therapy acquired through training and experience, in addition to an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
- A comprehensive general education that is equivalent to the GCSE level
Desirable
In-house training or a brief course in cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy
Experience
Essential
- One-on-one clinical experience with individuals who are experiencing mental health issues
- Demonstrated experience in assisting service users with problem-solving, task assessment, and daily routine structure.
- Clinical experience in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
Desirable
- Experience in the provision of short-term psychological interventions or skills, such as relaxation strategies, mindfulness, or CBT strategies
- Experience in facilitating the administration of therapeutic groups.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Exceptional communication abilities
- Capacity to effectively convey sensitive information to service users, caregivers, and colleagues in a manner that mitigates psychological resistance.
- Capable of managing and collaborating with service consumers who are experiencing elevated levels of distress
Desirable
Understanding the principles of CBT or DBT
Other
Essential
Access to a vehicle and the ability to travel throughout the CPFT locality
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) of 1975. Consequently, it will be necessary to submit a disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as the CRB) to verify any prior criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
All other applications will be considered, including those from job seekers who require current skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK. For additional information, please consult the UK Visas and Immigration website (opens in a new tab).
Since April 6, 2017, skilled worker applicants who are seeking entry clearance into the United Kingdom have been required to submit a criminal record certificate from each country in which they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past decade. This requirement also applies to adult dependents who are over the age of 18. Guidance is available at this location. Checks of criminal records for applicants from abroad (opens in a new tab).
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a therapeutic support worker do?
Individuals with mental health issues, cognitive disabilities, or behavioral challenges receive support and assistance from therapeutic support workers. They assist clients in developing coping skills, promoting independence, and improving overall well-being.
Is there a demand for therapeutic support workers in the United Kingdom?
Indeed, there is a growing demand for therapeutic support workers, particularly in light of the expanding recognition of mental health issues and the necessity of community-based support services.
What is the typical work environment for a therapeutic support worker?
Therapeutic Support Various environments, including residential care facilities, community centers, schools, and clients’ residences, employ Therapeutic Support Workers. The work environment has the potential to be demanding, which can lead to emotional tension.
