Trainee Psychological Therapist (CBT)
Job summary
Are you a CAMHS clinician wanting to train as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist within a supportive team? This is an exciting opportunity to learn how to deliver much-needed evidence-based therapies for OCD, anxiety, depression and PTSD. The role may be based in West Sussex, East Sussex or Brighton. Please state your preference within your application, and if successful, we will accommodate your request where possible.
PLEASE NOTE:
In your application, please state your first and second preference in terms of team location (Brighton, East Sussex, and West Sussex). If you do not have a BABCP-recognised Core Profession, you must have completed a self-statement for KSA criterion 4 before interview, which you will need to show at interview. Please see www.babcp.com for guidance and exemplars.
If you have undertaken low-intensity CBT training (e.g., PWP, CWP or EMHP) you must have at least 2 years' experience between the exam board of your previous training (not just coursework completion or a letter from the department) and the start date of any high-intensity training. This is nationally mandated and is there are no exceptions; you will be asked to evidence your exam board date (or date of graduation certificate if no evidence of exam board) prior to invite to interview.
Main duties of the job
You will need a demonstrable background in working within CAMHS or related services with young people with mental health difficulties and a good understanding of the basics of CBT formulation and treatment.
You will also need a core profession qualification as specified by the BABCP or a demonstrable equivalent of this level of training, as evidenced through their ability to meet the requirements set out in BABCP's Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio.
EMHPs and CWPs are eligible for condensed KSA portfolios. Please note that there needs to be a two-year gap between receiving exam ratification results from any HEE funded course (eg CWP or EMHP) and the start date of a new HEE funded training.
We require those without core professional qualifications to submit their completed KSA Criterion 4 at the time of interview, and their full KSA prior to course commencement. Please see the BABCP website (www.babcp.com) for further details around core professions and the KSA.
You will be well supported by a highly experienced CBT supervisor and will be working alongside skilled and compassionate clinicians, with co-working and shadowing opportunities from early on.
Following successful completion of the Post-Graduate Diploma and BABCP accreditation, you will move into a permanent Band 7 Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist post within our CAMHS teams.
About us
We're looking for people who share our values (compassion, accountability and optimism) to help us provide high quality care to the patients, carers, families and local communities we serve. We specialise in providing NHS mental health and learning disability services.
So what can we offer you in return?
We're an organisation which puts people first. We'll do everything possible to help you feel respected, valued and included. We'll help you learn, acquire new skills and gain further experience to support your career development. And we'll provide the opportunity for you to bring your fresh ideas to work about how we can do things differently and continue improving.
You will also be joining a health and care system committed to working together to do the best we can for the communities we serve. Above all, at Sussex Partnership you'll have the chance to make a difference to the lives of the patients, carers and families across our communities.
Working for our organisation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to becoming a diverse employer and inclusive workplace in which people from all backgrounds can belong and pursue enriching careers. We aspire to reflect the communities we serve and, therefore, encourage applications from candidates from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Please do contact us (below) for an informal conversation about the post or to arrange a visit. We would love to meet you and hear your ideas.
Details
Date posted
02 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
£38,682 to £46,580 a year pa
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
354-CS-21783
Job locations
Brighton / Worthing / Horsham / Hailsham / Hastings
Brighton, East Sussex and West Sussex
BN3 4AG
Job description
Job responsibilities
The course will require travel to either KCL's site in south London, or Reading University, potentially with some overnight stays required during blocks of teaching. Some of the training is delivered remotely.
As this is a training position, please be aware that this is a dual application process where you must be employed in an NHS Psychological Therapies Training funded job to also receive a place on the course, and vice-versa. You must apply to both the university, and SPFT.
If you are ineligible for the University Course, you will be unable to be offered the role. If you withdraw from an employment offer but you have accepted a University offer, you will be unable to join the course.
For more information about the courses please see:
KCL: https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-progr…
Reading: https://sites.reading.ac.uk/charlie-waller-institute/training/iapt-trai… CBT - Charlie Waller Institute
KCL covers the modalities of CBT, SFP and Parent Training. It is very important to mention that you are applying for the CBT modality, and why you are qualified & interested in CBT. You only need one application to the associated University no matter how many job posts you apply for.
These roles are best suited for applicants that are able to balance a busy work and study schedule. You will be an employee at the service but also enrolled for 2 days a week on a Postgraduate Diploma course, and trainees will be expected to study at a Postgraduate level. This will mean that applicants must be prepared to study and write assignments outside of protected study time (such as on weekends and after work). As this is a Postgraduate level diploma, you will be required to be able to study and write academic material at this level which is why the University requires a Bachelors degree (2:2 minimum).
Job descriptionJob responsibilities
The course will require travel to either KCL's site in south London, or Reading University, potentially with some overnight stays required during blocks of teaching. Some of the training is delivered remotely.
As this is a training position, please be aware that this is a dual application process where you must be employed in an NHS Psychological Therapies Training funded job to also receive a place on the course, and vice-versa. You must apply to both the university, and SPFT.
If you are ineligible for the University Course, you will be unable to be offered the role. If you withdraw from an employment offer but you have accepted a University offer, you will be unable to join the course.
For more information about the courses please see:
KCL: https://www.annafreud.org/ucl-postgraduate-study/ucl-postgraduate-progr…
Reading: https://sites.reading.ac.uk/charlie-waller-institute/training/iapt-trai… CBT - Charlie Waller Institute
KCL covers the modalities of CBT, SFP and Parent Training. It is very important to mention that you are applying for the CBT modality, and why you are qualified & interested in CBT. You only need one application to the associated University no matter how many job posts you apply for.
These roles are best suited for applicants that are able to balance a busy work and study schedule. You will be an employee at the service but also enrolled for 2 days a week on a Postgraduate Diploma course, and trainees will be expected to study at a Postgraduate level. This will mean that applicants must be prepared to study and write assignments outside of protected study time (such as on weekends and after work). As this is a Postgraduate level diploma, you will be required to be able to study and write academic material at this level which is why the University requires a Bachelors degree (2:2 minimum).
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A recorded/registered qualification such as mental health nursing, occupational therapy or social work, as recognised by the BABCP as a core professional qualification OR evidence of meeting the Knowledge Skills and Attitude (KSA) requirements of BABCP
Desirable
- Experience working in a service for moderate to severe mental health problems
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of with young people and families within 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 Mental Health Care Services
- Worked in a service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes
Qualifications
Essential
- A recorded/registered qualification such as mental health nursing, occupational therapy or social work, as recognised by the BABCP as a core professional qualification OR evidence of meeting the Knowledge Skills and Attitude (KSA) requirements of BABCP
Desirable
- Experience working in a service for moderate to severe mental health problems
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of with young people and families within 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 Mental Health 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.
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 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.
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
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Brighton / Worthing / Horsham / Hailsham / Hastings
Brighton, East Sussex and West Sussex
BN3 4AG
Employer's website
https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Brighton / Worthing / Horsham / Hailsham / Hastings
Brighton, East Sussex and West Sussex
BN3 4AG
Employer's website
Salary range
- £38,682 - £46,580 per year