• Job Description

  Req#: C9152-25-0731?language=en&page=273&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  We are looking to recruit a Trainee Psychological Therapist (High Intensity CBT Therapists) to work in one of our Dorset CAMHS teams.

  To apply, you must meet the criteria for CBT training and also have a BABCP-recognised professional background in mental health or related areas. This means having a recognised Core Profession. to check if you have a recognised Core Profession here

  If you do not have a Core Profession, you must complete a portfolio of evidence to show that you have equivalent training and experience. This is known as the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes portfolio (KSA). If applying via the KSA route, you must have completed a self-statement for KSA criterion 4 before interview and, if successful at interview, will need to prepare the other required sections ahead of the start of the course (including obtaining references). Please see the BABCP website for guidance and exemplars.

  If you have undertaken low-intensity CBT training (e.g., PWP, CWP or EMHP) you must have at least 2 years' experience between the exam board of your previous training (not just coursework completion or a letter from the department) and the start date of any high-intensity training. This is nationally mandated and is there are no exceptions; you will be asked to evidence your exam board date (or date of graduation certificate if no evidence of exam board) prior to invite to interview.

  The course is due to start in January 2026 and successful candidates will need to start at this time.

  Main duties of the job

  The successful candidates will undertake a 12 month training course at Exeter University. During this time, you will be trained to provide High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural therapy within a stepped care model for children and young people with common mental health problems, including depression and a range of anxiety disorders. You are required to attend training at the University for a minimum of two days a week and working with a caseload of patients within service three days a week. There may also be an element of online learning.

  Trainees can work flexibly, and we offer a combination of face to face and remote work. The successful candidate will provide high intensity CBT within a stepped care model. We provide regular clinical supervision in a variety of formats to support you.

  The course you will be completing at the University of Exeter as part of this role is a Level 2 accredited course with BABCP. This means that upon completion trainees will meet criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.

  On completion of the course, there may be opportunities for trainees progress to a period of supported preceptorship. This offers enhanced supervision, peer support meetings, and a reduced and triaged caseload. The Preceptorship will normally last 8-12 months and when complete leads to a permanent Band 7 post.

  About us

  At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

  We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

  Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

  Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

  Details

  Date posted

  20 August 2025

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 6

  Salary

  £38,682 to £46,580 a year p.a.

  Contract

  Fixed term

  Duration

  12 months

  Working pattern

  Full-time

  Reference number

  152-M223.25

  Job locations

  CAMHS Gateway

  Bournemouth & Christchurch

  Bournemouth

  BH1 4LB

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

  As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

  This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

  Applications from candidates that require current Healthcare worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

  As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

  This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

  Applications from candidates that require current Healthcare worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

  Person Specification

  Educational / Qualifications

  Essential

  • A)First degree in Psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy, nursing of 2:1 standard or above, or an equivalent professional qualification. Evidence of ability to study at third year undergraduate level in a relevant degree will also be considered for those without an undergraduate qualification
  • B)A core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and cognitive Psychotherapies( BABCP) e.g. social work, OT, MH nurse, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist and have at least 2 years post qualification experience
  • Some knowledge and experience of CBT
  • Able to integrate training into practice

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with child young people and families

  Skills / Experience / Knowledge

  Essential

  • Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services
  • Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets
  • Ability to manage own caseload and time
  • Demonstrates high standards in written communication
  • Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
  • Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training
  • Computer Literate
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
  • Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
  • Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in children and young people
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
  • Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems for children and young people
  • Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post

  Desirable

  • Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes

  Additional Requirements

  Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • High levels of enthusiasm and motivation
  • Advanced communication skills
  • Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
  • Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
  • Robust, flexible and dedicated team members able to operate under pressure at most times to meet the demands of an intensive service.
  • Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
  • Ability to be self reflective whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting

  Person Specification

  Educational / Qualifications

  Essential

  • A)First degree in Psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy, nursing of 2:1 standard or above, or an equivalent professional qualification. Evidence of ability to study at third year undergraduate level in a relevant degree will also be considered for those without an undergraduate qualification
  • B)A core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and cognitive Psychotherapies( BABCP) e.g. social work, OT, MH nurse, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist and have at least 2 years post qualification experience
  • Some knowledge and experience of CBT
  • Able to integrate training into practice

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with child young people and families

  Skills / Experience / Knowledge

  Essential

  • Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services
  • Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets
  • Ability to manage own caseload and time
  • Demonstrates high standards in written communication
  • Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
  • Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training
  • Computer Literate
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
  • Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
  • Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in children and young people
  • Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
  • Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems for children and young people
  • Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post

  Desirable

  • Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes

  Additional Requirements

  Essential

  • Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
  • Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

  Personal Qualities

  Essential

  • High levels of enthusiasm and motivation
  • Advanced communication skills
  • Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
  • Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
  • Robust, flexible and dedicated team members able to operate under pressure at most times to meet the demands of an intensive service.
  • Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
  • Ability to be self reflective whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision

  Desirable

  • Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting

  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

  Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  CAMHS Gateway

  Bournemouth & Christchurch

  Bournemouth

  BH1 4LB

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

  Address

  CAMHS Gateway

  Bournemouth & Christchurch

  Bournemouth

  BH1 4LB

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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