Trainee High Intensity Therapist
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £36,682 per annum, with progression to £47,810 per annum
Location: Northumberland - Including Blyth, Morpeth
This role is fixed term for the duration of training, with a potential permanent opportunity upon successful completion.
Northumberland NHS Talking Therapies Service is part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. It is run as a partnership between Mental Health Matters and Sunderland Counselling Service; two local and national providers of psychological therapies with a strong track record of success. We offer free psychological treatment for people aged 16 and over who have a GP in Northumberland.
The service has a strong commitment towards continuing professional development, staff well-being, and providing high quality, evidence-based psychological interventions for the people of Northumberland.
About us
Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 35 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.
Everything about MHM is people focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to our clients and service users.
About the role
The role of a Trainee High Intensity Therapist involves the delivery of high intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) whilst undertaking a programme of training for this role. This intensive training post will equip the post-holder to provide CBT to clients with a range of common mental health difficulties for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective. You will work within the Northumberland locality, delivering psychological therapies both digitally and in a range of community settings.
Successful applicants will undertake a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Newcastle University to completion before being awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in CBT. On completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
Please refer to the attached job description for full job details.
About you
We are seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals who have relevant clinical experience and/or training. For example: you may have a recorded or registered qualification at graduate level in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, counselling, or psychological therapy.
You must be able to demonstrate the ability to work within a high volume, performance-managed service, and manage your own caseload and time. You must have a basic knowledge of CBT and biopsychosocial models of anxiety and depression and how this may present in primary care.
We are seeking individuals who are searching for the opportunity to work creatively and expand their knowledge and skills within the provision of psychological services.
We accept applications from non-core professionals as long as you can evidence the knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) criteria outlined on the BABCP website. If you are invited for interview, candidates must present their KSA portfolio at this stage of the process and have it completed by the time the training course starts.
Please refer to the attached job description for full details on person specification for this role.
What we offer
You will go through our comprehensive, in-person training program in your first week of employment which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role, as well as offering a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues.
In addition, you will receive:
* A minimum of 25 days annual leave per annum, plus statutory holidays, rising with length of service
* A 5% contributory pension scheme, with the opportunity to increase contributions.
* A holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, including Employee assistance programme and personalised wellbeing action plans.
* Enhanced family friendly policies, pay and leave.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Discounted gym membership.
* Healthcare cash plan.
* A discount platform covering online, high street and supermarket purchases.
* You will receive a tailored induction and probation review program which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role
* Our structured career development pathways and support from our accredited Learning Team will provide you with advice and guidance on how to access development to allow you to flourish in your chosen career
Closing Date: 31st July 2025
Anticipated Interview Date: 11th & 14th August 2025 - need to be confirmed with external agency so may change
The closing date given is a guide. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so we advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the duties, an enhanced DBS will be sought in event of a successful application.
All disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview.
MHM is an Equal Opportunities Employer.