Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Calderdale
Are you an experienced mental health professional or social care worker with a recognised professional qualification working in a mental health setting? Do you meet the KSA requirements as set out by the BABCP? Have you considered training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and getting paid to do it? If so, our Trainee High Intensity Therapist programme could be the role for you!
Main duties of the job
We are looking for aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our Calderdale Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the October 2026 cohort at the University of Sheffield. The course you will undertake is the one-year, full-time, Postgraduate Diploma in High Intensity Psychological Interventions (HIPI).
Job responsibilities
This is a fixed term position with a start date of 12th October for induction with the University of Sheffield. There will be a service induction with Vita Health Group starting 5th October.
The role is for 12 months with the possibility of a permanent post after training.
A typical working week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service Monday‑Wednesday (one of these days will be a late shift of 12:00‑8:00 pm) and 2 days attending university on Thursday and Friday. University days will be hybrid teaching and clinic work will also be hybrid, requiring attendance in person at Sheffield University and Calderdale clinics.
Provide High Intensity CBT interventions recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders and receive weekly supervision from both the university and the workplace.
Qualifications and experience
The trainee position is aimed at mental health professionals who have some experience in CBT and who continue to work in a mental health environment.
Applications are invited from qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychological Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and PWPs (with two years post qualification experience).
Applicants without recognised core mental health professional training (such as Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners or Psychotherapists and Counsellors without UKCP or BACP accreditation) are eligible but must have a completed KSA at interview.
* Core professional training or qualification or demonstrate at interview that you meet the KSA requirements set by the BABCP.
* Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (or ability to study at third‑year undergraduate level).
* Membership of the BABCP from the time the course commences.
* Availability to attend university as required; teaching will be face‑to‑face.
* Experience of working in mental health services, including risk management.
* Willingness to travel, which may include overnight stays on occasion.
* Evidence of foundation level or sustained CPD in CBT.
* Evidence of supervised CBT practice.
* Experience of working in Primary Care/Talking Therapies services.
* Worked in a service where agreed targets are in place demonstrating clinical outcomes.
Other requirements
* Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend interviews held on Thursday 16th July via Microsoft Teams.
* Applicants must be available to commence the role on 5th October 2026.
* Applicants who apply via the KSA route must submit their portfolio two weeks prior to interview (by 2nd July).
* A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for appointment to the post.
* Applicants who have completed an NHS or HEE funded psychological professions training programme within the last two years are not eligible to apply.
* Only those with the right to work in the UK without restriction and eligible for Home Fee status can be recruited. All candidates who hold a visa must ensure that their visa permits the right to work and study in the UK.
Equality Diversity & Inclusion
* Disability Confident Leader
* Positive action through Ethnicity and Gender Matters initiatives
* Employer with Heart and Mindful Employer status
* Menopause Friendly accreditation
Additional information
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in the UK and subject to a DBS check at offer stage.
Your application data is handled securely in accordance with UK GDPR guidelines.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Contact
If you need any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process we will be happy to help – please contact recruitment@vhg.co.uk.
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