Recruit to Train Cognitive Behaviour Therapist CAMHS practitioners

East London NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization is seeking a CBT Trainee to join their team as part of a training program in collaboration with the University of Reading. This role involves direct clinical work and participation in a structured training course. Ideal candidates will have a strong mental health background and a commitment to their professional development.

Qualifications

• Relevant mental health practitioner background recognized by BABCP or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in low-intensity CBT training.
• Evidence of core profession certification required.

Responsibilities

• Direct clinical work and management of complex cases.
• Member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Engage with other agencies involved in care.

Skills

Mental health practitioner background

Ability to manage complex cases

Willingness to travel

Education

Completion of Level 2 accredited course

KSA portfolio completion (if applicable)

Job description

CBT Trainee – NHS England Workforce, Training & Education

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a CBT Trainee, as part of the NHS England Workforce, Training and Education (NHSE WT&E) funded Recruit to Train Programme, in partnership with the University of Reading, Charlie Waller Institute. The post-holders will be training on the Children & Young People Mental Health (CYP-MH) CBT Course, which is accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). They will be carrying out clinical work in our service to complement their studies and use their newly developed skills. We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic mental health practitioners to work and train within our service.

These are fixed-term posts with this training year funded by NHSE WT&E. After successful completion of the course the fixed-term training contract will end; however applicants would be encouraged to apply for any vacant posts within the service and will be provided with support and advice in job applications.

Responsibilities

• Direct clinical work and management of complex and sometimes high-risk cases with support of your line manager and clinical supervisor.
• Member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) and involved in MDT meetings and broader service developments.
• Engage with and liaise with other agencies (schools, social care, community agencies) involved in the care of the children and young people on your caseload.
• Balance a very busy work & study schedule; employee of the service and enrolled on a Postgraduate Diploma course.
• Work towards studies outside protected study time (e.g., weekends, evenings). Protected study time or teaching days are typically 2 days a week during term, with possibility of extra university days near the start.
• Travel to Reading University to attend lectures as required.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Relevant mental health practitioner background recognised by BABCP core profession or equivalent.
• Completion of Level 2 accredited course or equivalent evidence of training and experience.
• For applicants without a core profession, completion of a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio and self‑statement for KSA criterion 4 before interview.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in low‑intensity CBT training (e.g., PWP, CWP, EMHP) or evidence of exam board date and date of graduation before interview.
• Ability to undertake high-intensity training: evidence of experience between exam board date and start date of any high‑intensity training.
• Willingness to travel to Reading University for lectures.

Training & Course Details

The course will be undertaken in partnership with the University of Reading (Charlie Waller Institute). It is a Level 2 accredited course with BABCP. Upon completion, trainees will meet the criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.

More information about the courses and how the training works can be found via this link: https://sites.reading.ac.uk/charlie-waller-institute/training/iapt-training/children-young-people/postgraduate-diploma-in-evidence-based-psychological-treatment-for-children-and-young-people-cbt-route/

Application Process

To apply, please provide:

• Your CV and supporting documents.
• Evidence of completed KSA portfolio and self‑statement for KSA criterion 4 (if applicable).
• Evidence of exam board date or graduation certificate (if applicable).
• Copy of your recognised core profession certificate or statement of equivalence (if applicable).

Send your application to [email protected] for review at least 2 working days before your interview. Failure to provide required documentation may result in interview cancellation.

Applicants for this training at Reading University will need to be available to start by February 2 2026.

Notes

Because this is a dual application process, you must be employed in a Recruit to Train funded job to receive a place on the course, and vice‑versa. If you withdraw from an employment offer but have accepted a university offer, you will be unable to join the course.