Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Newcastle University
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 Newcastle Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the October 2026 cohort at Newcastle University.
Role and Training
The course you will undertake is a one‑year Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The role is a fixed term of 12 months. After completing the training and becoming a qualified HIT, there may be an opportunity to apply for a permanent post and contribute to an experienced and innovative service.
Working Hours and Schedule
A typical working week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service and 2 days attending university. University days will be Thursdays and Fridays. Thursdays are in‑person teaching and Fridays are online learning. While clinical practice may include remote working, you will be required to attend one of the Newcastle offices for part of the week. There will also be one late shift of 12:00–8:00 pm to be agreed.
Responsibilities
* Provide high‑intensity CBT interventions recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders.
* Participate in weekly supervision provided by both the university and the workplace.
* Document clinical work in accordance with professional and organisational standards.
* Engage in professional development activities as required by the training programme.
* Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support client outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
* Core professional training or qualification, or ability to demonstrate KSA requirements set by the BABCP at interview.
* Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a discipline connected to mental health (or ability to study at third‑year undergraduate degree level).
* Membership of the BABCP from the time the course commences.
* Availability to attend university for mixed face‑to‑face and remote learning.
* Experience working in mental health services, including risk management.
* Willingness to travel, including overnight stays on occasion, as and when required.
* Evidence of foundation level or sustained CPD in CBT.
* Evidence of supervised CBT practice.
* Experience working in Primary Care/IAPT services.
* Experience in a service where agreed targets demonstrate clinical outcomes.
Other Requirements
* Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend interviews held w/c 29th June and 6th July 2026 (remote via Microsoft Teams).
* Applicants must be available to commence the role for service induction on 7th September and attend the first induction day with Newcastle University on 8th October 2026.
* Applicants applying via the KSA route must submit their draft portfolio to the university one week prior to interview (by 2nd July).
* A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for appointment to post.
* Applicants who have completed an NHS or HEE funded psychological professions training programme within the last two years are not eligible.
* Only those with the right to work in the UK without restriction and eligible for Home Fee status can be recruited.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively support a range of initiatives to promote an inclusive and fair environment.
Recruitment Process & Contact
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.
If you need any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process we will be happy to help – please get in touch at recruitment@vhg.co.uk
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