Trainee High Intensity Therapists in Long Eaton

We are looking for aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our NHS Derby & Derbyshire Talking Therapies Service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the March 2026 cohort at the University of Lincoln. The course you will undertake is the one‑year, full‑time PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. A typical working week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service and 2 days at University. University days will be hybrid training with a combination of remote and face‑to‑face teaching. Whilst your clinical practice is likely to include some remote working, you will be required to attend one of the service area offices for part of the week. Depending on where you are based, you may be expected to work one late shift per week from 12:00pm‑8:00pm. You will provide High Intensity CBT interventions recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders.

Responsibilities

• Attend supervised clinical practice three days a week with the NHS Talking Therapies Service.
• Attend hybrid university teaching two days a week (remote and face‑to‑face).
• Work one late shift per week (12:00pm‑8:00pm) when required.
• Provide NICE‑recommended High Intensity CBT interventions to clients with moderate to severe mental health disorders.
• Receive and apply weekly supervision from both the workplace and the university.

Qualifications & Eligibility

• Shortlisted applicants must be available for remote interviews via Microsoft Teams between 9th and 12th December.
• Applicants must be able to commence the role and attend service induction on 2nd March 2026, with university training starting 4th March 2026.
• Successful candidates must complete the Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA) portfolio by 9th December.
• Applicants must have a DBS check, be eligible for UK work without restriction, and hold Home Fee status.
• Applicants who have completed an NHS or HEE funded psychological professions training programme within the last two years are not eligible.
• Core professional training (e.g. Clinical or Counselling Psychotherapy, Mental Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, or PWPs) with at least two years post‑qualification experience.
• Bundled qualification or membership of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) or equivalent.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health, or ability to study at a third‑year undergraduate level.
• Availability to attend university teaching (mix of face‑to‑face and remote).
• Experience working in mental health services, including risk management and Primary Care/Talking Therapies services.
• Evidence of supervised CBT practice and CPD in CBT (desirable).

Application Process

• All interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.
• Applicants must attend service induction on 2nd March 2026 and university training on 4th March 2026.
• An embedded “speaking‑up” culture facilitated by Freedom to Speak Up Guardians.
• Investigations of reference requests for transgender applicants will be handled with dignity and care.
• To discuss adjustments or assistance, please contact recruitment@vhg.co.uk.

Benefits & Supports

• Health and wellbeing services, including Mental Health Advocates and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Freedom to Speak Up culture and Guardian facilitation.
• Commitment to meeting NHS Equality Delivery System standards, Workforce Race Equality Standard (WRES) and Workforce Disability Equality Standard (WDES).
• Clear EDI commitments: Disability Confident Leader, Ethnicity Matters, Gender Matters, Armed Forces Covenant, Menopause Friendly, Employer with Heart, Mindful Employer.
• Competitive salary and flexible work‑life balance.
• Access to training, mentoring and continuous professional development.
• Equal opportunity employer: we welcome applications from all candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion.

For further information, please visit University course page or contact HR at hr@vhg.co.uk. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in the UK and are subject to a DBS check.