High Intensity CBT Trainee - CAMHs

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting for a High Intensity CBT Trainee - CAMHs. The post funds a 12-month Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment for Children and Young People (CBT Route) while gaining clinical experience across CAMHS services.

Trainees split time between university teaching and practical placement, building a supervised caseload and applying CBT skills within a stepped-care model.

Qualifications

• First degree in psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy, nursing of 2:1 standard or above, or equivalent
• A BABCP core profession with at least 2 years post-qualification experience
• Some knowledge and experience of CBT
• Experience working with children, young people and families

Responsibilities

• Employment requires Enhanced/Standard DBS check (paid by the Trust)
• Please note visa sponsorship is not available; ensure right to work in the UK
• Training programme includes a 12-month Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment for CAMHS
• Programme combines academic study with supervised clinical practice and a supervised clinical caseload

Skills

Mental health experience

Time management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Risk assessments

Therapeutic relationships

Education

First degree in psychology or related

BABCP core profession

Knowledge of CBT

Experience with children/young people

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

High Intensity CBT Trainee - CAMHs

The closing date is 03 November 2026

We are seeking enthusiastic, motivated and adaptable clinicians to join us as CAMHS Community High Intensity CBT Practitioner Trainees. This is a unique opportunity to undertake a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence Based Psychological Treatment for Children and Young People (CBT Route) while gaining valuable clinical experience within a progressive and forward-thinking mental health service. The role is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills required to deliver evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) interventions to children, young people and their families.

CYPMH Dorset: A Service in Transformation

Children and Young People's Mental Health (CYPMH) Dorset is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation. Through significant new investment, we are developing and expanding our services in line with the i-THRIVE Framework, creating more responsive, accessible and needs-led support for children, young people and families across Dorset.

As our transformation programme progresses, this role will evolve alongside the service. Successful candidates will initially support existing teams from a temporary base during the transition period, before becoming part of our future service model. All posts are pan-Dorset, and candidates should be prepared to work flexibly as services continue to expand, including the introduction of extended operational hours in the future.

Main duties of the job

About the Training Programme

Successful candidates will undertake a 12-month Postgraduate Diploma in Evidence-Based Psychological Treatment for Children and Young People (CBT Route) at the University of Exeter. The programme combines academic study with supervised clinical practice, preparing trainees to deliver High Intensity CBT for children and young people experiencing anxiety, depression and related mental health difficulties. [HI CBT trainee JD | PDF]

Trainees will usually spend two days per week in university teaching and three days working within CYPMH services, developing a supervised clinical caseload and applying their learning in practice. Some teaching may be delivered online. Throughout the programme, trainees will provide evidence-based interventions within a stepped-care model and receive regular clinical supervision and support. [HI CBT trainee JD | PDF]

The course is BABCP Level 2 accredited and, on successful completion, trainees will be eligible to apply for BABCP Provisional Accreditation.

Following qualification, there may be opportunities to progress into a structured Preceptorship Programme, offering enhanced supervision, peer support, protected development opportunities and a managed caseload to support the transition into autonomous practice. Subject to successful completion and organisational requirements, this would typically lead to progression into a permanent Band 7 CBT Therapist role.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Job responsibilities

Employment in this post requires an Enhanced/Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.

Please note visa sponsorship for this role is unfortunately not available. Ensure you hold valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship if successful.

Person Specification

Educational / Qualifications

• A)First degree in Psychology, medicine, social work, occupational therapy, nursing of 2:1 standard or above, or an equivalent professional qualification. Evidence of ability to study at third year undergraduate level in a relevant degree will also be considered for those without an undergraduate qualification
• B)A core mental health profession as defined by the British Association for Behavioural and cognitive Psychotherapies( BABCP) e.g. social work, OT, MH nurse, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist and have at least 2 years post qualification experience
• Some knowledge and experience of CBT
• Experience of working with child young people and families

Skills / Experience / Knowledge

• Demonstrable experience of working in mental health services
• Ability to meet agreed / specified service targets
• Ability to manage own caseload and time
• Demonstrates high standards in written communication
• Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
• Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training
• Computer Literate
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Has received training (either formal or through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
• Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
• Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in children and young people
• Demonstrates a knowledge of the issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on mental health
• Knowledge of medication used in anxiety and depression and other common mental health problems for children and young people
• Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
• Worked in a Service where agreed targets in place demonstrating clinical outcomes

Additional Requirements

• Subject to the provisions of the Equality Act, able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business
• Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.

Personal Qualities

• High levels of enthusiasm and motivation
• Advanced communication skills
• Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
• Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
• Robust, flexible and dedicated team members able to operate under pressure at most times to meet the demands of an intensive service.
• Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality
• Ability to be self reflective whilst working with service users, in own personal and professional development and in supervision
• Experience of working with diverse communities within a multicultural setting

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust