Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Arts Psychotherapist (Art/Drama/Music or Dance Movement Psychotherapist) to join the Bristol Inpatient Arts Psychotherapy Team.
You will be working on the adult mental health wards at Callington road hospital in Bristol. We welcome applications from Arts Psychotherapists meeting NHS band 7 competencies and looking to develop their inpatient skills, including newly qualified Arts Psychotherapists.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will provide a comprehensive service to the team, including specialist, evidence-based assessment, formulation, and individual/group interventions. Applicants should have skills to work with a wide range of mental health issues whilst adapting interventions to the dynamic inpatient setting.
There is a strong focus on indirect work through team formulation, reflective practice, and training with staff teams. You will need to be well organised with the ability to prioritise your work according to clinical need, with good communication skills.
About us
We are AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust):a diverse organisation with over 5,000 dedicated staff providing inpatient and community-based mental health care.
We provide services from a range of locations to approximately 1.8 million people living in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, across the county of Wiltshire and in parts of Dorset.
Our outstanding people promote mental health and wellbeing. The expertise and resources within AWP are dedicated to a person-centred approach for those who use our services and for all employees. We recognise that happy and fulfilled employees give better care.
AWP is committed to support and create a positive research and evidence-based environment and culture, which can have a beneficial impact on everyone who works for the organisation and the care we provide to those who use our services.
At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds; we are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We want people to bring their unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and knowledge to AWP, as diversity makes us stronger.
Details
Date posted
22 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
47,810 to 54,710 a year pro rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time
Reference number
342-BR212-1225
Job locations
Callington Road Hospital
Marmalade Lane
Bristol
BS4 5BJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
Our ward teams highly value psychological perspectives & are committed to a multidisciplinary team approach. If you enjoy the challenges & rewards of developing psychologically-informed services, this post offers a wealth of opportunities. We seek applicants with a passion for working with people in crisis and developing the psychological knowledge/skills of ward teams.
You will join a supportive team of Inpatient Arts Psychotherapists with many opportunities to collaborate. You can join the Trust's dynamic network for inpatient psychological practitioners, with a range of CPD opportunities also available. We are keen to support our team to develop their own therapeutic interests, aligning with service needs/evidence base.
Please see full job description attached for more details of the role. Job description
Job responsibilities
Our ward teams highly value psychological perspectives & are committed to a multidisciplinary team approach. If you enjoy the challenges & rewards of developing psychologically-informed services, this post offers a wealth of opportunities. We seek applicants with a passion for working with people in crisis and developing the psychological knowledge/skills of ward teams.
You will join a supportive team of Inpatient Arts Psychotherapists with many opportunities to collaborate. You can join the Trust's dynamic network for inpatient psychological practitioners, with a range of CPD opportunities also available. We are keen to support our team to develop their own therapeutic interests, aligning with service needs/evidence base.
Please see full job description attached for more details of the role.
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential

• Post graduate qualification in an Arts Psychotherapy at MA/MSc level, or equivalent
• Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK Council for Counselling Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• Knowledge and experience of working with adults with Mental Health difficulties
• Able to work as an autonomous practitioner responsible for own specialist caseload within a team

Desirable

• Presentation of your work as an Arts Psychotherapist
• Publication of your work as an Arts Psychotherapist
• Experience of working with adults of working age, older adults, male and female service users with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of working with behaviours of concern that can be challenging for the person and the staff supporting them.

Person Specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential

• Post graduate qualification in an Arts Psychotherapy at MA/MSc level, or equivalent
• Registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), the UK Council for Counselling Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• Knowledge and experience of working with adults with Mental Health difficulties
• Able to work as an autonomous practitioner responsible for own specialist caseload within a team

Desirable

• Presentation of your work as an Arts Psychotherapist
• Publication of your work as an Arts Psychotherapist
• Experience of working with adults of working age, older adults, male and female service users with mental health difficulties.
• Experience of working with behaviours of concern that can be challenging for the person and the staff supporting them.

Skills Required