Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapist
Job summary
Are you passionate about Mental Health? Would you like to work within a primary care setting in a friendly, dedicated team?
Dorset Steps2Wellbeing, a NHS Talking Therapies (NHS TT) service, are looking to recruit Trainee High Intensity (CBT) Therapists to support adults with common mental health problems. Successful candidates will undertake a 12 month training course at the University of Reading, learning to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to patients with depression and anxiety disorders. Successful applicants will attend training with the University two days a week and apply their newly learnt skills to a caseload of patients three days a week (including an out of hours clinic).
The University provides aLevel 2 accredited course with BABCP. Upon completion trainees will meet criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.
All our staff are expected to work flexibly, providing a combination of face to face and remote sessions. You will be required to attend 100% of training days with the University.
On successful completion of the course, trainees enter our preceptorship program receiving enhanced supervision, peer support meetings and triaged caseload, leading to a permanent band 7 post.
The course starts in February 2026. Posts are available in both Urban and Rural teams.
Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Main duties of the job
There are 2 routes to eligibility
ROUTE 1: You meet the criteria for CBT training, have a BABCP recognised core professionin mental health or related areas (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 (see BABCP website for guidance and exemplars).
Please note that Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners cannot be recruited to this training post until they have at least two years post-qualification experience. If you have recently completed an NHS funded psychological professions course, you are not eligible for this training until 2 years after the date of your exam certification.
Please have your completed KSA ready at interview if taking the KSA route.
This post involves University study and full-time work. It is not suitable for applicants on student and graduate visas. If you have an alternative visa and wish to apply, please contact: dhc.internationalrecruitment@nhs.net prior to submitting your application.
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.
Details
Date posted
19 November 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year p.a.
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
152-M396.25
Job locations
Steps2Wellbeing
The Annexe
Weymouth
DT4 7TB
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.
If you would like to find out more about the position, please contact:
Sabina Baig at sabina.baig@nhs.net
Job descriptionJob 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.
If you would like to find out more about the position, please contact:
Sabina Baig at sabina.baig@nhs.net
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
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 informationDisclosure 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).
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Steps2Wellbeing
The Annexe
Weymouth
DT4 7TB
Employer's website
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Steps2Wellbeing
The Annexe
Weymouth
DT4 7TB
Employer's website
https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)
Salary range
- £38,682 - £46,580 per year