Job summary
We are looking to recruit Trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapists (High Intensity CBT Therapists) in Rural and Urban Dorset within our Steps 2 Wellbeing service.
The successful candidates will undertake a 12 -month training course at the University of Exeter. You will be trained to provide High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy within a stepped care model for adults with common mental health problems.
You will be required to attend training at the University two days a week, with some additional block weeks each term, and to work with a caseload of patients within service three days a week.
Trainees can work flexibly; we offer a combination of face to face and remote work. You will be required to attend 100% of training days with the University.
After the initial year of training, we offer a Preceptorship year where you will receive additional support, supervision and tailored CPD opportunities.
We need candidates in post prior to the course starting on 6th January. There are also 2 university induction days taking place on 1st and 2nd December (via zoom) which you would need to attend in your own time prior to starting.
The interview proposed dates are as follows:
- 16/09/2025
- 22/09/2025
- 23/09/2025
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
We will be offering both part-time and full-time posts.
Main duties of the job
There are 2 routes to eligibility.
ROUTE 1: You will be qualified in a mental health profession as defined by the BABCP (See website for full list of accepted core professions;Core Professions (babcp.com))ANDhave at least 2 years post qualification experience.
ROUTE 2: You do not have a core profession but you have 4 years relevant mental health experience and have completed a KSA portfolio which you are able to submit at point of interview (please refer to BABCP KSA guidance to find out if a full or partial KSA portfolio is requiredKnowledge Skills and Attitudes (babcp.com)).If applying via route 2, prior to this interview you must have completed the self-statements for the KSA criterion relevant to you and you must send across criterion 4 to admissions-cwi@reading.ac.uk for the course tutors to review (see the BABCP website for guidance and exemplars). Please note this is a pre-requisite for an offer. If you are successful in being offered this role, then you will be invited to a workshop on finalising the KSA portfolio at the start of the training in March.
Please note that Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners cannot be recruited to HI training posts until they have at least two years of post-qualification experience (based on their exam certification date). If you have recently completed an NHS funded psychological professions course, you will not be eligible to access this training until 2 years post qualification.
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.
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 contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
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 contact dhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net
Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check.
Person Specification
Educational/Qualifications
Essential
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (e.g. Psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCP recognised core profession) OR those without an undergraduate qualification but with evidence of the ability to study at third year of undergraduate level (level 6) will also be considered)
- Ability to meet either route to eligibility: Either a core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and cognitive Psychotherapies( BABCP) with at 2 years post qualification experience OR no core profession but 4 years relevant mental health experience and provide a complete KSA portfolio.
- Some knowledge and experience of CBT
Desirable
- Experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression
- Evidence of foundation level / sustained CPD in CBT
- Evidence of using CBT techniques in practice
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services
- 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
- Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets
Desirable
- Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
- Experience of working in Primary Care Services
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manage own caseload and time
- Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
- Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
Desirable
- Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
- Qualified to drive and has access to a vehicle for work purposes
Person Specification
Educational/Qualifications
Essential
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (e.g. Psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCP recognised core profession) OR those without an undergraduate qualification but with evidence of the ability to study at third year of undergraduate level (level 6) will also be considered)
- Ability to meet either route to eligibility: Either a core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and cognitive Psychotherapies( BABCP) with at 2 years post qualification experience OR no core profession but 4 years relevant mental health experience and provide a complete KSA portfolio.
- Some knowledge and experience of CBT
Desirable
- Experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression
- Evidence of foundation level / sustained CPD in CBT
- Evidence of using CBT techniques in practice
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services
- 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
- Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets
Desirable
- Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
- Experience of working in Primary Care Services
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to manage own caseload and time
- Demonstrates high standards in written communication
- Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
- Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
- Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
Desirable
- Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting
Skills/Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
- Qualified to drive and has access to a vehicle for work purposes
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).
