Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

HI Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

The closing date is 13 July 2025

Job summary

Are you passionate about delivering CBT and looking for a new opportunity?

NHS Somerset Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression (previously IAPT) are looking for a HICBT Therapist for this hybrid role to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy both face to face in person and via video consultation.

WE ARE a busy Talking Therapies service in one of England's most desirable counties. Alongside CBT, we offer other time-limited Step 3 interventions (IPT, DIT, PCE, EMDR, MBCT) as well as Step 2 treatments, including guided self-help, groups, webinars and a digital self-help portal.

WE PROVIDE effective and timely evidence-based therapies following the Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression model. We value patient outcomes and have a high recovery rate consistently above the national target. Our innovative assessment and treatment model means there is no wait for step 2 interventions and effective process for accessing step 3 interventions.

BLENDED WORKING We provide CBT both remotely via video consultation and in person at venues across Somerset, therapists have a mixture of remote and venue-based working within the team locality. Successful applicants would be expected to be flexible to adapt to patient and service need. We operate from and around four bases (Bridgwater, Chard, Taunton & Wells). We do not currently have any fully remote contracts available.

Due to qualify? Please choose 'Yes'-even if you're not registered just yet. That way, you won't get blocked from applying!

Main duties of the job

THE ROLE to provide high intensity CBT interventions, working with clients who suffer from a range of anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for which CBT is evidenced to be clinically effective. Experienced therapists also be trained to provide duty cover to support other members of the team with clinical queries.

Therapists with appropriate training and experience provide clinical supervision. We provide individual clinical supervision exceeding BABCP requirements in addition to group supervision. As recommended by BABCP newly qualified therapists receive a higher frequency and duration of supervision. Clinical supervisors routinely receive supervision of supervision.

WE VALUE Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and support our therapists to undertake relevant training based on their individual development needs and requirements of the service. These include NHS Talking Therapies training in Clinical Supervision, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MCBT), Long Term Conditions and Medically Unexplained Symptoms (LTC-MUS) and 'top up' trauma focused Cognitive Therapy for PTSD.

The wellbeing of our staff is paramount to the service. We support this through wellbeing champions in each of the teams; offering a menu of wellbeing activities to choose from including thinking pit stops and mindfulness sessions; regular team building away days; managerial supervision and a dedicated trust colleague wellbeing and support service.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

  • Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
  • NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
  • Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
  • A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2662

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Job description

Job responsibilities

WE OFFER the opportunity to make a difference to the wellbeing of a diverse population and to work amidst supportive and friendly colleagues and dependable managerial and clinical leaders. Regular managerial support, clinical supervision, CPD opportunities, a generous relocation scheme and a secure pension plan are complemented by a range of additional benefits available under the NHS employment benefits scheme.

Must be car driver or access to transport to travel to locations throughout the organisation with appropriate business insurance.

WE WELCOME applications from those who represent the diversity of our client group. As a trust we have a thriving Diversity Network and as service we are working hard to ensure we follow the Talking Therapies Positive Practice Guides. We welcome applicants with all forms of diversity including those with lived experience of using mental health services.

WE WELCOME applicants from people with various levels of experience:

  • Due to be qualifying shortly and fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation as soon as possible*
  • Have recently qualified, applied for or fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation as soon as possible*
  • Are an experienced CBT therapist accredited by BABCP

Applicants who don't currently hold BABCP accreditation - Please clearly evidence in the supporting information section how you meet BABCP accreditation standards. You will be required to bring this evidence to your interview, and if successful, to apply for accreditation on commencement of the post.

We encourage you to ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

Please complete your application as soon as possible as we aim to invite suitable candidates to interview promptly.

Job description

Job responsibilities

WE OFFER the opportunity to make a difference to the wellbeing of a diverse population and to work amidst supportive and friendly colleagues and dependable managerial and clinical leaders. Regular managerial support, clinical supervision, CPD opportunities, a generous relocation scheme and a secure pension plan are complemented by a range of additional benefits available under the NHS employment benefits scheme.

Must be car driver or access to transport to travel to locations throughout the organisation with appropriate business insurance.

WE WELCOME applications from those who represent the diversity of our client group. As a trust we have a thriving Diversity Network and as service we are working hard to ensure we follow the Talking Therapies Positive Practice Guides. We welcome applicants with all forms of diversity including those with lived experience of using mental health services.

WE WELCOME applicants from people with various levels of experience:

  • Due to be qualifying shortly and fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation as soon as possible*
  • Have recently qualified, applied for or fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation as soon as possible*
  • Are an experienced CBT therapist accredited by BABCP

Applicants who don't currently hold BABCP accreditation - Please clearly evidence in the supporting information section how you meet BABCP accreditation standards. You will be required to bring this evidence to your interview, and if successful, to apply for accreditation on commencement of the post.

We encourage you to ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet the criteria set out in the person specification.

Please complete your application as soon as possible as we aim to invite suitable candidates to interview promptly.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BABCP Accredited or accreditable and fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation ASAP PG Dip in CBT (Accredited NHS Talking Therapies CBT Training or CBT training and experience with adults with anxiety and depression)

Desirable

  • Further post-qualification training e.g. clinical supervision, LTC-MUS, MBCT

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience of working in a mental healthcare setting Experience of delivering CBT to adults with depression and anxiety disorders

Desirable

  • Experience of working in an NHS Talking Therapies service

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Demonstrates awareness and application of supervision of others Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to Stepped Care and the National Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression framework.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • BABCP Accredited or accreditable and fully committed to achieving BABCP accreditation ASAP PG Dip in CBT (Accredited NHS Talking Therapies CBT Training or CBT training and experience with adults with anxiety and depression)

Desirable

  • Further post-qualification training e.g. clinical supervision, LTC-MUS, MBCT

Experience

Essential

  • Significant experience of working in a mental healthcare setting Experience of delivering CBT to adults with depression and anxiety disorders

Desirable

  • Experience of working in an NHS Talking Therapies service

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Demonstrates awareness and application of supervision of others Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to Stepped Care and the National Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression framework.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Nicola Boyland

nicola.boyland@somersetft.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

01 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

184-OL-GR-2662

Job locations

Parkgate House

East Reach

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 3ES


Supporting documents

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