Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Leicester
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 Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the January 2026 cohort at Coventry University.
About us
Vita Health Group celebrates life. Improving lives physically and mentally drives everything we do. To find out more about Vita Health Group and the services we provide, please click here: https://www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/
Job responsibilities
Getting to know Us:
Hello! We are Vita Health Group, a leading provider of Talking Therapies services within the North East, Midlands, South East, and South West. We are proud of the work we do at Step 3 and see the life-changing impact daily!
We focus on staff wellbeing, a flexible and creative approach to work, and a culture of openness and support. We promote quality supervision, rich CPD, and encourage our CBT Therapists to pursue specialist training and leadership opportunities.
The Role:
We seek aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the January cohort at Coventry University. The course is a one-year, full-time PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
More about the course: Course Details
This is a permanent position starting with induction on 12th January with Vita Health Group and university training beginning on 19th January 2026. Upon successful completion, a permanent High Intensity Therapist role within VHG will be offered, though not necessarily in the current service area.
The weekly schedule includes 3 days of clinical practice and 2 days at university, with a hybrid of remote and face-to-face teaching. Attendance at one of the service area's offices is required for part of the week.
You will deliver NICE-recommended High Intensity CBT interventions to clients with moderate to severe mental health disorders, with weekly supervision from both university and workplace supervisors.
Getting to know You:
This position targets mental health professionals with some CBT experience who work in mental health settings.
Applications are invited from qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychological Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and PWPs with at least two years post-qualification experience.
Applicants without a recognised core mental health professional training can apply if they demonstrate meeting BABCP KSA requirements at interview, using the provided template.
Additional Information:
* Core professional training or equivalent, or the ability to demonstrate KSA meeting BABCP standards.
* Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline or the ability to study at third-year undergraduate level.
* Membership of BABCP from course start.
* Availability for hybrid training and travel within the LLR area.
* Experience in mental health services, including risk management.
* Willingness to travel, possibly overnight.
* Evidence of foundational or sustained CPD in CBT.
* Evidence of supervised CBT practice.
* Experience in Primary Care/Talking Therapies services.
* Work in a service with clinical outcomes targets.
Other Requirements:
* Availability for interviews on 17th October via MS Teams.
* Screening test on 24th September, online.
* Start date: 12th January 2025.
* Confirmation of meeting KSA criteria at interview; draft submission one week prior, final by end of February.
* Applicants who completed NHS or HEE funded training within the last two years are ineligible.
* Right to work in the UK required; no restrictions.
Why Vita Health Group?
Vita Health Group, part of Spire Healthcare, has over 30 years of experience in physical and mental health services, working with the NHS, insurers, and corporate clients. We are committed to staff development, wellbeing, and diversity, recognized as a top employer and a Mindful Employer.
We offer CPD, secondments, management training, mentoring, and webinars, alongside a competitive salary, flexible working, and benefits. Details here: Careers
We are an equal opportunities employer, promoting diversity and inclusion through various schemes and commitments. For adjustments or assistance in the application process, contact recruitment@vhg.co.uk.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK and undergo a DBS check. Data shared during recruitment is securely stored and destroyed after six months if unsuccessful. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early.
Person Specification
General Requirements
* Refer to the above job description for requirements.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This role requires a DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975, with necessary disclosures made to the DBS.
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