Job summary
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression, in conjunction with the University of Exeter, are seeking suitable candidates to train as High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapists. We are a busy Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression service. Alongside CBT, we offer other time-limited Step 3 interventions (e.g. IPT, EMDR, MCBT) as well as Step 2 treatments including courses, webinars, and a digital self-help portal.
Post-holders must be able to attend university as required, which will include blocks of teaching of up to four days. Most teaching will be 2 days per week in conjunction with a minimum period of High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) clinical practice per week within the service. This is a paid training opportunity over 1 year full time. The part-time option is 3.5 to 4.5 days over 2 years, trainees will be required to attend university on Mondays and Tuesdays plus block weeks and work in service 1.5 days to 2.5 days per week.
On successful completion of the training and BABCP accreditation this will become a permanent role as a High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (Band 7) with Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression.
Candidates need to meet the eligibility and enrolment criteria of the University of Exeter and can provide the certification, full details available on their website.
High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip | Postgraduate taught | University of Exeter
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a robust, competent and motivated individual who can manage the competing demands of academic work alongside a clinical caseload. Previous related experience will be of great benefit.
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 leadership. Providing regular managerial support, clinical supervision and wellbeing activities. We operate from and around four bases (Wells, Taunton, Chard/Yeovil and Bridgwater).
Candidates currently working as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWP's) will need to be at least 2 years post qualification, please see the link below for more information regarding the two year rule for HEE funded psychological professions.
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/mental-health/psychological-professions/funding-psychological-professions-training-programmes
On your application form in the additional information section please provide a brief statement in support of your application for the post of HI CBT trainee with reference to the NHS Values in accordance with the NHS Constitution. When completing this section, please directly address the Expert by Experience.
Remote Interview dates 11th, 12th & 13th August.
We are aiming for successful candidates to commence employment December 2025 ahead of the course start date on 5th January 2026.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Candidates need to meet the recruitment and eligibility criteria of the University of Exeter and can provide the certification, which are available on their website.
High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip | Postgraduate taught | University of Exeter
Remote Interview dates 11th, 12th & 13th August.
Interviews will be remote you will need to have access to an internet enabled device (such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with a microphone and camera in a private space to attend the interview.
For your information, there may be an Expert by Experience representative on the interview panel or involved in the shortlisting process.
University induction days (including KSA workshop) for all candidates will be on1st & 2nd December 2025.
For further details, please refer to the attached JD and person specification and visit the University of Exeter website and view the course eligibility and enrolment criteria.
An essential criterion for entry to the course is either a relevant Core Profession or demonstrate equivalent Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes via a KSA portfolio (see below for more info on KSA). A list of core professions can be found on the BABCP website.
Core https://babcp.com/core-professions/core-professions-list/Professions List -- BABCP
The post is open to candidates without a recognised relevant Core Professional training or qualification who can demonstrate equivalent Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes via a KSA portfolio. A completed KSA Portfolio will be required to be submitted at interview. Please note that job offers for candidates selected at interview will be dependent on successful assessment of the KSA portfolio. See BABCP website for further details.
Knowledge, SKnowledge, Skills & Attitudes -- BABCPkills & Attitudes -- BABCP
We welcome informal enquiries - please contact:
Jemma Peters, CBT Clinical Lead - via email:jemma.peters@SomersetFT.nhs.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
Candidates need to meet the recruitment and eligibility criteria of the University of Exeter and can provide the certification, which are available on their website.
High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip | Postgraduate taught | University of Exeter
Remote Interview dates 11th, 12th & 13th August.
Interviews will be remote you will need to have access to an internet enabled device (such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) with a microphone and camera in a private space to attend the interview.
For your information, there may be an Expert by Experience representative on the interview panel or involved in the shortlisting process.
University induction days (including KSA workshop) for all candidates will be on1st & 2nd December 2025.
For further details, please refer to the attached JD and person specification and visit the University of Exeter website and view the course eligibility and enrolment criteria.
An essential criterion for entry to the course is either a relevant Core Profession or demonstrate equivalent Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes via a KSA portfolio (see below for more info on KSA). A list of core professions can be found on the BABCP website.
Core https://babcp.com/core-professions/core-professions-list/Professions List -- BABCP
The post is open to candidates without a recognised relevant Core Professional training or qualification who can demonstrate equivalent Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes via a KSA portfolio. A completed KSA Portfolio will be required to be submitted at interview. Please note that job offers for candidates selected at interview will be dependent on successful assessment of the KSA portfolio. See BABCP website for further details.
Knowledge, SKnowledge, Skills & Attitudes -- BABCPkills & Attitudes -- BABCP
We welcome informal enquiries - please contact:
Jemma Peters, CBT Clinical Lead - via email:jemma.peters@SomersetFT.nhs.uk
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in discipline connected to mental health (e.g psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCPrecognised core professional qualification)
- Qualified in a mental health profession (e.g. social work, OT, MH Nurse, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist) and have at least 2 years post qualification experience.
- Candidates who do not have a core professional qualification are required to produce a complete KSA portfolio.
Desirable
- Foundation level CBT training or sustained CPD in CBT
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of using CBT techniques in practice
- Experience of working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression.
- Able to complete academic components of the course
- Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting
- Excellent verbal and written communication and keyboard skills.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Enrolment and eligibility criteria met
- UK car driver and/or ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in discipline connected to mental health (e.g psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCPrecognised core professional qualification)
- Qualified in a mental health profession (e.g. social work, OT, MH Nurse, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist) and have at least 2 years post qualification experience.
- Candidates who do not have a core professional qualification are required to produce a complete KSA portfolio.
Desirable
- Foundation level CBT training or sustained CPD in CBT
Experience
Essential
- Evidence of using CBT techniques in practice
- Experience of working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression.
- Able to complete academic components of the course
- Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting
- Excellent verbal and written communication and keyboard skills.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Enrolment and eligibility criteria met
- UK car driver and/or ability and willingness to travel to locations throughout the organisation
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.
