At a Glance
- Tasks: Train as a High Intensity Therapist and provide impactful CBT interventions.
- Company: Join Vita Health Group, a leading provider of Talking Therapies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health and a passion for CBT required.
The predicted salary is between 39227 - 39227 £ per year.
Job Reference: vitahealth/TP/12448/4076
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Salary: £39,227 per annum
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Closing Date: 23/06/2026
Job Category: Clinical
The Role:
Are you an experienced mental health professional or social care worker with a recognised professional qualification working in a mental health setting? Do you meet the KSA requirements as set out by the BABCP? Have you considered training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and getting paid to do it? If so, our Trainee High Intensity Therapist programme could be the role for you!
We are looking for aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our Calderdale Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the October 2026 cohort at the University of Sheffield. The course you will undertake is the one-year, full-time, Postgraduate Diploma in High Intensity Psychological Interventions (HIPI). This is a fixed term position with a start date of 12th October for induction with the University of Sheffield. There will be a service induction with Vita Health Group starting 5th October. This is a fixed term role for 12 months.
A typical working week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service Monday – Wednesday (one of these days will be a late shift of 12:00‑8:00pm) and 2 days attending university on Thursday and Friday. University days will be hybrid teaching and work in clinics will also be hybrid working so you must be able to attend Sheffield University and clinics in Calderdale in person. You will provide High Intensity CBT interventions recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders and will receive weekly supervision provided by both the university and the workplace.
Getting to know You:
The Trainee position is aimed at mental health professionals who have some experience in CBT and who continue to work in a mental health environment. Applications are invited from qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychological Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and PWPs (with two years post qualification experience). Applicants without a recognised and accredited core mental health professional training (such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners or Psychotherapists and Counsellors without UKCP or BACP accreditation) are eligible to apply but must have a completed KSA at interview.
- Core Professional training or qualification, or able to demonstrate at interview that you meet the KSA requirements set by the BABCP.
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (or ability to study at third year undergraduate degree level).
- Membership of the BABCP (from the time that the course commences).
- Availability to attend university as required – teaching will be conducted face to face.
- Experience of working in mental health services, including risk management.
- Willingness to travel, which may include overnight stays on occasion, as and when required.
- Evidence of foundation level or sustained CPD in CBT.
- Evidence of supervised CBT practice.
- Experience of working in Primary Care/Talking Therapies services.
- Worked in a service where agreed targets are in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
Other Requirements:
- Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend interviews held on Thursday 16th July. All interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.
- Applicants must be available to commence the role on 5th October 2026.
- Applicants who apply via the KSA route must be able to submit their portfolio two weeks prior to interview (by 2nd July).
- A Disclosure and Barring check (DBS, formerly CRB) will be required by the service for appointment to post.
- Applicants who have completed an NHS or HEE funded psychological professions training programme within the last two years are not eligible to apply.
- Only those with the right to work in the UK without restriction and eligible for Home Fee status can be recruited.
- All candidates who hold a visa should ensure that it permits the right to work and study in the UK.
About Us:
As part of Spire Healthcare, we’re proud to build on a legacy of improving lives for over 30 years and continue to deliver primary care physical and mental health services accessed through the NHS, via employer-funded care and at our network of private clinics.
Working here:
We are an award-winning employer regularly recognised at industry events and our latest employee survey revealed the top reasons for working here as:
- Supportive teams and managers
- A positive and inclusive culture
- Strong well-being and mental health support
- Trust, autonomy and flexibility
We invest in your growth with frequent career progression opportunities and development initiatives including mentoring, secondments, management training and regular clinical CPD webinars. You will enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options and a comprehensive benefits package.
Equality Diversity & Inclusion:
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively support a range of initiatives including positive action through Ethnicity and Gender Matters initiatives.
If you need any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process we will be happy to help - please get in touch at recruitment@vhg.co.uk.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in the UK and subject to a DBS check at offer stage. Your application data is handled securely in accordance to UK GDPR guidelines. We may close jobs to new applications earlier than original stated closing date.
Trainee High Intensity Therapist - University of Sheffield/Calderdale employer: Vita Health Group Limited
Vita Health Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional growth. As a Trainee High Intensity Therapist, you will benefit from comprehensive training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy while enjoying flexible working options and a competitive salary. With a strong emphasis on career progression and continuous professional development, you'll have the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment dedicated to making a positive impact on mental health services in Calderdale.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee High Intensity Therapist - University of Sheffield/Calderdale
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Join local mental health events, workshops, or awareness campaigns. You’ll not only learn more about the field, but these gatherings are great places to meet professionals already working in therapy or counselling—who knows, they might even have tips for landing a trainee position!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re in uni, don’t forget about career services—they're goldmines for finding trainee placements in therapy and counselling. They might host job fairs or have connections with local organisations that are looking for trainees. Make the most of it!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Create a blog or use social media to share your thoughts on therapy techniques, mental health topics, or your learning journey. This makes you more visible to potential employers like Vita Health Group Limited, showcasing your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Look for volunteer opportunities at local mental health charities or organisations. Hands-on experience is invaluable and can sometimes lead directly to trainee roles. Plus, it adds weight to your application when you go for positions like Trainee High Intensity Therapist - University of Sheffield/Calderdale with Vita Health Group Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee High Intensity Therapist - University of Sheffield/Calderdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Empathy Skills:In therapy and counselling, empathy is key. When crafting your CV and cover letter, show how you've developed this skill through your experiences, whether that’s from volunteer work, personal experiences, or relevant coursework. It’s all about demonstrating that you have the ability to connect with and understand others.
Showcase Relevant Academic Credentials:For a trainee role in therapy and counselling, your educational background matters a lot. Make sure to list your degrees, relevant coursework, and any certifications you have (like a certificate in counselling skills). If you’ve done any projects or placements, mention those too as they show you’re serious about your career path.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As a trainee, showing that you’re keen to learn and grow is crucial. Your cover letter should reflect your motivation for the role at Vita Health Group Limited and your eagerness to develop your skills further. Talk about how you’re dedicated to evolving in the field and contributing to positive outcomes with clients.
Tailor Your Application to Vita Health Group Limited:Each place has its vibes and focus areas, so take some time to understand what makes Vita Health Group Limited unique. In your application, highlight why you resonate with their approach to therapy. This not only personalises your application but also shows that you’ve done your homework – something we can totally appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vita Health Group Limited
✨Showcase Your Empathy and Listening Skills
In the therapy and counselling world, empathy is key. During your interview for the trainee position at Vita Health Group Limited, be ready to share examples that demonstrate how you've effectively listened and responded to others' needs. This could be from your studies or any relevant experiences!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Often, interviews for counselling roles include role-play exercises to assess your practical skills. Be ready to engage in a mock counselling session during the interview. Practising a few common scenarios beforehand will help you feel more comfortable and confident!
✨Passion for Learning is Key
As a trainee, they’re likely looking for someone enthusiastic about developing their skills. Be sure to discuss your motivations for entering the therapy field and how you're keen on learning new techniques, therapies, and therapies. This will show that you're committed to your own growth and client care.
✨Discuss Your Theoretical Knowledge
Even as a trainee, they’ll expect a solid foundation in counselling theories. Brush up on key theories and be prepared to discuss how you might apply them practically. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the framework guiding your future practice at Vita Health Group Limited.
