Overview
Mind Matters at Surrey and Borders has two opportunities for individuals who may have counselling, CBT, or psychology experience and/or knowledge of working with mental health or vulnerable people.
Role 1: Post-Graduate NHS Talking Therapies Trainee – Couple Therapy for Depression
This is a training role: academic and clinical with Tavistock Relationships and NHS Talking Therapies Services. The programme is 3 years long and starts on 29 September 2025. The post holder will:
* Begins Year 1 at Band 5 (Foundation Level) working with individuals.
* In Year 2 undertakes the Birkbeck Post-Graduate Diploma Level and begins working with couples; continues to work with individuals and couples in Year 3.
* Attend all taught/self-study days required by the education provider (Mondays and Tuesdays) as specified within the national curriculum, and work in the service on the remaining days using newly developed skills.
* Follow a national offer with 6 x 2 Monday/Tuesday in-person attendance per academic year (e.g., 2 days per term at Tavistock Relationships in Central London).
* Accept referrals and deliver time-limited counselling to individuals with mild to moderate depression within NHS Talking Therapies, using humanistic or psychodynamic approaches under regular academic and clinical supervision.
* Assess risk, determine referral suitability, and manage treatment pathways in line with service protocols.
* Maintain accurate clinical records, adhere to activity targets, and contribute to multidisciplinary collaboration.
* Engage in training that includes academic, practical, and supervised clinical components, with mandatory personal therapy and ongoing professional development.
* Uphold ethical standards, ensure confidentiality, and stay informed on mental health policies and treatment advancements.
* Engage in performance reviews, maintain CPD records, and attend relevant workshops.
* Contribute to service development, ensure data protection compliance, and maintain professional integrity.
* Demonstrate flexibility in service delivery (in-person, video, or phone) and a commitment to inclusive, recovery-focused care.
* Manage a caseload, conduct patient-centred assessments, and deliver time-limited interventions via multiple formats.
* Attend university and complete the caseload throughout the three years; attendance to university and clinical placement is expected to achieve a minimum of 90% per academic year to meet required hours and pass the PG Dip.
* Potential progression to Band 7 if KPI targets and course requirements are met.
Role 1 – Additional Responsibilities
* Attend multidisciplinary meetings; coordinate step-up/step-down care; involve family members when appropriate.
* Integrate employment and work-related issues into therapy; operate from an inclusive, recovery-focused values base.
* Participate in 50 hours of personal psychodynamic therapy over three years (self-funded) and complete ongoing supervision and CPD.
* Adhere to health and safety regulations and data protection requirements.
* Commit to maintaining integrity, professionalism, and adaptability to evolving service needs while managing a caseload and academic study.
Role 1 – Qualifications and Desirable Experience
* Recognised degree at 2:2 or above in any relevant subject, or equivalent, or demonstrable competency via a portfolio of evidence meeting specified academic requirements.
* Desirable: previous clinical or professional experience in mental health and/or talking therapies.
Additional Information
* We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply; all applicants will be considered fairly against the job description.
* We offer flexible working arrangements (e.g., job share, part-time) and will discuss accommodations as needed.
* Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is a leading provider of mental health services in Surrey and North East Hampshire, committed to inclusive and supportive employment, with flexible working and wellbeing support.
* Location advantages include proximity to Central London and international travel access via nearby airports.
* Please note: we reserve the right to close posts early if sufficient applications are received. UK Home Office sponsorship for all roles is not guaranteed.
#J-18808-Ljbffr