Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Keele University

Harmonia Careers; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Nottinghamshire is looking for Trainee High Intensity Therapists to support NHS Talking Therapies. This position includes a one-year PGDip and offers weekly supervision. Candidates must have a relevant undergraduate degree and some experience in mental health services. The role offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave

Discretionary sick pay

Salary Exchange Pension

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health services, including risk management.
• Membership of the BABCP from course commencement is mandatory.
• Must have availability for hybrid teaching format.

Responsibilities

• Provide High Intensity CBT interventions to clients with mental health disorders.
• Participate in a one-year PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program.
• Receive weekly supervision from both university and workplace.

Skills

Core professional training

CBT experience

Mental health service experience

Availability for teaching

Experience in Primary Care/IAPT

Education

Undergraduate degree in a mental health-related field

Job description

Job Summary

Vita Health Group are delighted to support individuals and communities across Nottinghamshire. We are looking for pioneering, skilled clinicians to join us on this exciting journey and play a central role in shaping the delivery of NHS Talking Therapies across the region.

Details

Date posted: 11 September 2025

Pay scheme: Other

Salary: £37,338 a year

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time

Location: Nottingham, NG7 2UH

Job Description

Job responsibilities

The Role: What you will do?

We are looking for aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) in the January 2026 cohort at Keele University. The course is a one-year, full-time PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. There will be an initial two-week teaching block at Keele University, followed by two days per week at university (Thursdays and Fridays). A typical week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service and 2 days at university. The service work is hybrid with one day per week at base or community venues. One evening shift from 12:00pm–8:00pm per week is required. You will receive full supervision and there will be protected time for study days, preceptorship, and professional development opportunities. Upon successful completion of training, you may be offered a qualified High Intensity Therapist role within Vita Health Group.

You will provide High Intensity CBT interventions recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders and will receive weekly supervision from both the university and the workplace.

How we support you: Close liaison with the University and the workplace. Weekly supervision by both the workplace and the University.

Preceptorship Period Post-Training: Following successful completion of training, a six-month preceptorship is offered with mentoring and reflective learning.

Benefits We Offer

Vita Health Groups offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced annual leave
• Discretionary sick pay
• Salary Exchange Pension with Scottish Widows
• Benenden Health Cover
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £500 finders fee and £20 Amazon voucher on first day
• Discounted gym membership
• Enhanced maternity/adoption offering
• Enhanced paternity
• Paid compassionate leave
• Blue light card discounts
• Pay Now (up to 50% of salary) for financial wellbeing
• Benefits Platform and Buddy system
• Health and Wellbeing initiative

Getting To Know You

The Trainee position is aimed at mental health professionals who have some experience in CBT and who continue to work in a mental health environment.

Applications are invited from qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers and PWPs (with two years post-qualification experience). If you do not hold recognised core mental health professional training, you may still apply but must have a KSA portfolio completed prior to interview.

Essential and Desirable requirements, UK registration, DBS, and other administrative details are described below.

Essential Requirements

• Core professional training or qualification or ability to demonstrate BABCP KSA requirements.
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a mental health-related field (or ability to study at third year level).
• Membership of the BABCP from course commencement.
• Availability for teaching (hybrid format: some face-to-face and some remote).
• Experience in mental health services, including risk management.
• Experience in Primary Care/IAPT services and in achieving clinical targets.
• Willingness to travel, including possible overnight stays.

Desirable Requirements

• Evidence of CBT CPD and supervised CBT practice.

Other Requirements

• Shortlisted applicants must attend academic screening on 24 September (remote); interviews late Oct/early Nov (remote via Microsoft Teams).
• Role start: 12 January 2026 induction with Vita Health Group; 19 January 2026 at Keele University.
• DBS required; UK work entitlement essential; NHS/HEE funded training within last two years may affect eligibility.
• Right to work in the UK without restriction and Home Fee status required.

Other Information

Vita Health Group is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. We reserve the right to close this job when sufficient applications are received.

For adjustments or assistance in application/interview process, contact [e-mail]. All data is stored in the UK and destroyed after 6 months if unsuccessful.

Please note: this description is for the Trainee High Intensity Therapist role and reflects current requirements at the time of posting.