Mental Health Matters

Trainee High Intensity Therapist

The closing date is 19 October 2025

Job summary

NHS Warrington Talking Therapies are now recruiting into salaried trainee High Intensity Therapist positions. We would like to recruit a Trainee High Intensity Therapists into salaried 1-year trainee position, with the potential of future employment in our service upon successful completion of the training. We are looking for people with a commitment to scientific practice with a willingness to learn new skills & a desire to improve the health & well being of people with common mental disorder.

Main duties of the job

Accept referrals via agreed protocols within the service Assess clients for suitability for CBT. Where the problems appear to be too complex or severe to be appropriate for a trainee therapists to refer to manager/supervisor for advice on how to manage the case Make decisions on suitability of new referrals, adhering to the department's referral protocols, and refer unsuitable clients on to the relevant service or back to the referral agent as necessary. Formulate, implement and evaluate therapy programmes for clients. Educate and involve family members and others in treatment as necessary, conveying CBT formulations with sensitivity in easily understood language. Adhere to an agreed activity contract relating to the number of client contacts offered, and clinical sessions carried out per week in order to minimise waiting times and ensure treatment delivery remains accessible and convenient. Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate. Complete all requirements relating to data collection within the service. Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach. Assess and integrate issues surrounding work and employment into the overall therapy process.

About us

Mental Health Matters are a national charity who provide innovative and life changing mental health support for both individuals and communities. We offer a diverse range of services, and each and every person who works with us directly contributes to making positive changes, improving mental health and breaking down barriers. Everything about MHM is people focused, both for our workforce and the people we support. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to having a talented workforce who will make a positive impact on our communities.

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£38,682 to £38,682 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

R000321

Job locations

NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG

Warrington

WA2 7NG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Salary: NHS Band 6 Location: 3 days at NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG / 2 days at Chester University. Service opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm Job overview NHS Warrington Talking Therapies are now recruiting into salaried trainee High Intensity Therapist (HIT) positions. We would like to recruit a Trainee High Intensity Therapists into salaried 1-year trainee position, with the potential of future employment in our service upon successful completion of the training. We are looking for people with a commitment to scientific practice with a willingness to learn new skills and a desire to improve the health and wellbeing of people with common mental disorders. Job Purpose Talking Therapies provide evidence based interventions to people with anxiety disorders and depression. As part of a national IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies) programme. Services are committed to supporting recovery for people with anxiety and depression-related problems, including people with long term physical health conditions such as diabetes and respiratory problems. About us Mental Health Matters are a national charity who provide innovative and life changing mental health support for both individuals and communities. We offer a diverse range of services, and each and every person who works with us directly contributes to making positive changes, improving mental health and breaking down barriers. Everything about MHM is people focused, both for our workforce and the people we support. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to having a talented workforce who will make a positive impact on our communities. Main responsibilities High Intensity therapist trainee jobs are open to people who have the relevant qualifications, please only apply if you meet the minimum requirements. If you are unsure if you meet these please get in contact with us. Entry requirements: Entry to HIT training requires a BABCP recognised core profession or the applicant to prepare a Knowledge, Skills, Attitude (KSA) entry route portfolio prior to interview. The KSA will need to be sent to Chester University at prior to interview and, if you are successful, they will give you feedback on which areas require further work to be completed during training. Further information about the KSA entry route can be found on the accreditation pages of the BABCP.com website by searching for Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Applications from some core professions from a physical health background with experience of working with mental health conditions can also be considered. Please check the BABCP website for details. - PWPs should have a minimum of two years post qualification experience in line with national NHS Talking Therapies guidelines. - All other KSA candidates must have at least 4 years of relevant mental health related work experience, as well as a range of formal and informal training to have met the KSA standards. - All candidates should have a undergraduate degree or equivalent (exceptional circumstances for core profession candidates may be considered on a case by case basis). - If you are invited to an interview, you must scan documents and email any academic qualifications, certificates and evidence you hold, as applicable. Offers cannot be made without this information. - For more information regarding British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) recognised Core professions, please visit the BABCP website and search for "Core Professions". If you do not have a Core Profession, you will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that you have equivalent training and experience. This is known as the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes portfolio (KSA). If you are unsure whether your background, training and experience would allow you to apply for this post vis the KSA route, please visit the BABCP website and search for "KSA guidelines" We are committed to selecting people with excellent potential who have a desire to learn and develop and who have personal characteristics that relate to effective psychological practice. In order to qualify for interview, you will need to demonstrate all the essential criteria in the person specification within your application. What we offer you Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process 25 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays Enhanced Occupational Sick pay Access to our workplace pension scheme Family friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work life balance Access to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources Life Assurance and Free Will writing service Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts Access to Tickets for Good Employee recognition and celebration schemes A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations Successful completion of the training programme will result in a post-graduate qualification and will enable you to work as a HIT within a Talking Therapies service with your own caseload. How to Apply We operate Safer Recruitment processes, so if you are interested in this role, you will need to apply via our online application form. Please ensure you answer all of the mandatory questions, and attach your personal statement showing how you meet the person specification criteria. This can be done on a separate document and uploaded as part of your application supporting documents. We are an equal opportunities employer. We really value diversity and are committed to ensuring our processes are inclusive. We may ask some personal information during the application process, however, everything we ask is to ensure we can offer fair and accessible opportunities for everyone. If you would like to have an informal conversation about this role, please contact:

Job description

Job responsibilities

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Salary: NHS Band 6 Location: 3 days at NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG / 2 days at Chester University. Service opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 8am to 5pm Job overview NHS Warrington Talking Therapies are now recruiting into salaried trainee High Intensity Therapist (HIT) positions. We would like to recruit a Trainee High Intensity Therapists into salaried 1-year trainee position, with the potential of future employment in our service upon successful completion of the training. We are looking for people with a commitment to scientific practice with a willingness to learn new skills and a desire to improve the health and wellbeing of people with common mental disorders. Job Purpose Talking Therapies provide evidence based interventions to people with anxiety disorders and depression. As part of a national IAPT (Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies) programme. Services are committed to supporting recovery for people with anxiety and depression-related problems, including people with long term physical health conditions such as diabetes and respiratory problems. About us Mental Health Matters are a national charity who provide innovative and life changing mental health support for both individuals and communities. We offer a diverse range of services, and each and every person who works with us directly contributes to making positive changes, improving mental health and breaking down barriers. Everything about MHM is people focused, both for our workforce and the people we support. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to having a talented workforce who will make a positive impact on our communities. Main responsibilities High Intensity therapist trainee jobs are open to people who have the relevant qualifications, please only apply if you meet the minimum requirements. If you are unsure if you meet these please get in contact with us. Entry requirements: Entry to HIT training requires a BABCP recognised core profession or the applicant to prepare a Knowledge, Skills, Attitude (KSA) entry route portfolio prior to interview. The KSA will need to be sent to Chester University at prior to interview and, if you are successful, they will give you feedback on which areas require further work to be completed during training. Further information about the KSA entry route can be found on the accreditation pages of the BABCP.com website by searching for Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes. Applications from some core professions from a physical health background with experience of working with mental health conditions can also be considered. Please check the BABCP website for details. - PWPs should have a minimum of two years post qualification experience in line with national NHS Talking Therapies guidelines. - All other KSA candidates must have at least 4 years of relevant mental health related work experience, as well as a range of formal and informal training to have met the KSA standards. - All candidates should have a undergraduate degree or equivalent (exceptional circumstances for core profession candidates may be considered on a case by case basis). - If you are invited to an interview, you must scan documents and email any academic qualifications, certificates and evidence you hold, as applicable. Offers cannot be made without this information. - For more information regarding British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) recognised Core professions, please visit the BABCP website and search for "Core Professions". If you do not have a Core Profession, you will need to complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that you have equivalent training and experience. This is known as the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes portfolio (KSA). If you are unsure whether your background, training and experience would allow you to apply for this post vis the KSA route, please visit the BABCP website and search for "KSA guidelines" We are committed to selecting people with excellent potential who have a desire to learn and develop and who have personal characteristics that relate to effective psychological practice. In order to qualify for interview, you will need to demonstrate all the essential criteria in the person specification within your application. What we offer you Competitive salaries, with an annual pay review process 25 days Annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays Enhanced Occupational Sick pay Access to our workplace pension scheme Family friendly and flexible working arrangements to support a good work life balance Access to our Wellbeing Offer - including EAP, Virtual GP service and wellbeing resources Life Assurance and Free Will writing service Blue Light Card and Charity Workers discounts Access to Tickets for Good Employee recognition and celebration schemes A tailored induction programme, bespoke Personal Development and Career Pathways to support you in your role and your career aspirations Successful completion of the training programme will result in a post-graduate qualification and will enable you to work as a HIT within a Talking Therapies service with your own caseload. How to Apply We operate Safer Recruitment processes, so if you are interested in this role, you will need to apply via our online application form. Please ensure you answer all of the mandatory questions, and attach your personal statement showing how you meet the person specification criteria. This can be done on a separate document and uploaded as part of your application supporting documents. We are an equal opportunities employer. We really value diversity and are committed to ensuring our processes are inclusive. We may ask some personal information during the application process, however, everything we ask is to ensure we can offer fair and accessible opportunities for everyone. If you would like to have an informal conversation about this role, please contact:

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A recorded/registered qualification in one of the following at graduate level in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or within a psychological therapy.
  • Evidence using the career framework of training in mental health and experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression

Experience

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

Desirable

  • Experience of working in Primary Care Services Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • A recorded/registered qualification in one of the following at graduate level in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or within a psychological therapy.
  • Evidence using the career framework of training in mental health and experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression

Experience

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

Desirable

  • Experience of working in Primary Care Services Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG

Warrington

WA2 7NG


Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG

Warrington

WA2 7NG


Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

People and Organisational Development

MHM Recruitment Team

recruitment@mhm.org.uk

01915163500

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£38,682 to £38,682 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

R000321

Job locations

NHS Warrington Talking Therapies, based at Ribban Court, 20 Dallam Lane, Warrington, WA2 7NG

Warrington

WA2 7NG


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