Psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) are trained to assess and support people with common mental health problems – mainly anxiety disorders and depression – to manage their recovery.
All PWPs will complete an accredited IAPT training course. The courses typically consist of 45 days of academic work (one day per week) and four days supervised practice, usually distributed over an academic year. A level 6 apprenticeship standard for psychological wellbeing practitioners has also been approved for delivery. Whilst in training PWPs are employed by a local NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression service. The PWP training is open to people with a range of experience. Those with a degree will typically undertake a postgraduate certificate and those without a degree will normally undertake an equivalent graduate-level qualification. The training courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Trainees are appointed at band 4 and will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Once qualified as a PWP, you would usually progress to a band 5 position. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.
Experience of working with people with mental health problems is desirable, excellent interpersonal skills are essential. If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the values of the NHS Constitution apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you are applying for a university course funded by the NHS.
As a qualified and experienced PWP you can apply for more senior posts at band 6, with additional management and specialist responsibilities. You could further your career by undertaking CBT training.
Related roles
To work as a dental nurse, you have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) or be enrolled on a GDC-approved certificate, diploma or degree course. You do not necessarily need academic qualifications to work as a trainee dental nurse but you will need to study for qualifications to progress.
Most dental nurses in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings. Your starting salary will usually be between band 3 and band 4 of the Agenda for Change pay rates but some senior dental nurses will start at band 5 or higher. Terms and conditions may vary for those dental nurses not directly employed by the NHS.
Being a dental nurse requires a friendly, responsible attitude, a positive approach to people and a willingness to study. You must be happy to work as part of a team and willing to learn and understand the science behind dentistry.
Experience as a dental nurse is usually a requirement for those wishing to become a dental hygienist or dental therapist. With experience and further training, dental nurses can also work as orthodontic therapists.
Related roles
- Dental support worker [7]
- Receptionist [8]
- Dental therapist [9]
- Dental hygienist [10]