Job Overview
Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies is an established, forward-thinking 'Talking Therapies' service, providing psychological therapy for people with mild to moderate common mental health problems across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.
We are looking to recruit a skilled CfD Therapist (counselling for depression) who are passionate about delivering effective, evidence-based care - with a true desire to make a meaningful difference.
We Are Seeking Candidates Who Have
Completed at minimum, a diploma in counselling, that BACP recognizes as an accredited course.
Full BACP-accreditation ( or are working towards BACP accreditation).
Proven experience delivering CfD within an NHS Talking Therapies service, or a similar evidence-based clinical setting.
Confidence and competence in facilitating evidence-based counselling treatment.
Strong clinical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work well autonomously and within a team.
The post holders will work remotely and face-to-face with clients who present with a range of mild-moderate common mental health problems, for which CfD is demonstrated to be clinically effective. They will also carry out assessments as part of their caseload.
If you are an enthusiastic CfD therapist who enjoys being part of an innovative, thriving, and compassionate team, we would absolutely love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 4th March 2026
Shortlisting Date: 6th March 2026
Interview Date: 26th March 2026
Main duties of the job
In this role, the post holder will play a vital part in delivering Compassion‑Focused Therapy (CfD) interventions within a dynamic talking therapies service supporting the population of Bradford District and Craven. Working autonomously with clients experiencing a range of depression‑related conditions, they will accept and assess referrals in line with agreed service protocols, making informed clinical decisions on suitability and ensuring timely onward referral where appropriate.
The post holder will manage a defined caseload, formulating, implementing and evaluating evidence‑based therapy plans using CfD competencies. They will use highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build strong therapeutic relationships and sensitively explore complex and often distressing personal experiences. Focused clinical attention will be maintained throughout assessments and treatment sessions, with proactive use of clinical outcome measures and client feedback to support positive outcomes. Accurate record‑keeping, effective use of IT systems and full compliance with data collection requirements are essential.
The role involves close collaboration with the wider multidisciplinary team to support a stepped‑care approach, liaison with external health and social care partners, and integration of wider life factors such as employment, relationships, culture and housing into therapy.
Working for our organisation
Everything we do is underpinned by our core values: -
We Care - We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference
We Listen - We understand people's views and respond to their individual needs
We Deliver - We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners
Benefits
We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including :
Increase mileage rates for > 3500
A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages
A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities
Plus many more.
We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
BDCFT is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.
Please note that the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Please read the attached Job description and person specification for further details about this role.
Right to Work in the UK
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.
Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trust's eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.
As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).
Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
As a minimum, to have a diploma in counselling, that BACP recognizes as an accredited course. AND Accreditation from BACP or be 'accreditable' with BACP. or Band 7 Progression – requires completion of the Talking Therapies accredited CFD training course and receipt of accreditation.
Desirable criteria
Teaching (clinical practice) qualification/certificate.
Experience
Essential criteria
At least 2 years' experience in relevant area of mental health practise.
Application of evidenced based psychological therapies relevant to the clinical service.
Desirable criteria
Involvement in innovative clinical practice.
Experience delivering psychological therapies to groups of patients.
Experience in applying specialist psychological therapies
Knowledge
Essential Criteria
Evidenced based psychological therapies relevant to the clinical service.
Relevant specialist clinical courses/training.
Research awareness
Desirable criteria
Involvement in clinical research programmes.