Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Nottingham

NHS Jobs; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A health services provider in the UK seeks Trainee High Intensity Therapists for a one-year program in Nottingham, starting March 2026. Candidates with professional training in mental health will undertake both clinical practices and university studies. Applicants must have a related undergraduate degree, experience in mental health services, and the ability to attend hybrid teaching sessions. The role offers valuable supervision and potential for permanent post upon qualification, fostering a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Flexible and creative work environment

Supportive culture emphasizing staff well-being

Qualifications

• Applicants must have a core professional training or qualification.
• Experience in primary care/Talking Therapies services is essential.
• Willingness to travel, including potential overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-intensity CBT interventions to clients.
• Receive weekly supervision from both the university and the workplace.
• Maintain close liaison with the University and the workplace.

Skills

CBT experience

Risk management

Willingness to travel

Education

Undergraduate degree in mental health or related field

Job description

Trainee High Intensity Therapist - Nottingham

Getting to know Us: Hello! We are Vita Health Group, one of the leading providers of Talking Therapies services across the North East, Midlands, South East, and South West. We are proud of the life‑changing work we do at Step 3 every day. Our company focuses on staff wellbeing, a flexible and creative approach to work, and a culture of openness and support. We support our colleagues in achieving personal goals, emphasise quality supervision, rich CPD, and encourage our CBT therapists to pursue specialist training and leadership opportunities.

The Role: We are looking for aspiring Cognitive Behavioural Therapists to join our Nottingham Talking Therapies service as Trainee High Intensity Therapists (HITs) for the March cohort at the University of Lincoln. The course is a one‑year, full‑time PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/hipintpd/

This is a one‑year role with a start date of 2nd March 2026 for induction with Vita Health Group and 4th March 2026 at the University of Lincoln. A typical working week includes 3 days of clinical practice with the service and 2 days at university. University days are hybrid training with a mix of remote and face‑to‑face teaching. While your clinical practice may involve remote work, you will need to attend one of the service area offices for part of the week. Depending on location, a late shift per week (12:00‑20:00) may be expected. University teaching blocks:

• Online induction – Wednesday 4th March
• 1st teaching block – 9th–13th March and 16th–20th March
• 2nd teaching block – 15th–19th June and 22nd–26th June
• 3rd teaching block – 31st August – 4th September
• 4th teaching block – 12th – 16th October

You will provide High‑Intensity CBT interventions as recommended by NICE to clients with moderate to severe common mental health disorders and receive weekly supervision from both the university and the workplace. This is a fixed‑term 12‑month role. After becoming a qualified HIT, there may be an opportunity to apply for a permanent post.

How we support you: We will maintain close liaison with the University and the workplace. Throughout your training you will receive weekly supervision by both parties.

Getting to know You: The trainee position is aimed at mental health professionals with some CBT experience who continue to work in a mental health environment. Applicants are invited from qualified Clinical or Counselling Psychological Therapists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and PWPs (with two years post‑qualification experience). Those without recognised core mental health professional training (e.g., Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners or Psychotherapists/Counsellors without UKCP or BACP accreditation) are eligible but must complete a KSA portfolio by interview date.

Essential Requirements:

• 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 level)
• Membership of the BABCP from the time the course commences
• Availability to attend university teaching as required (face‑to‑face and remote)
• Experience working in mental health services, including risk management
• Experience in primary care/Talking Therapies services
• Experience in a service with agreed targets demonstrating clinical outcomes
• Willingness to travel, including potential overnight stays as required

Desirable Requirements:

• Evidence of foundation level or sustained CPD in CBT
• Evidence of supervised CBT practice

Other Requirements:

• Shortlisted applicants must be available for interviews on 6th and 7th January (held remotely via Microsoft Teams)
• Applicants must be available to commence on 2nd March 2026 for service induction; first day of university training on 4th March
• All essential equipment will be provided
• Successful candidates completing a KSA must have completed it by Monday 12th January 2026 at 16:00
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for appointment to post
• Applicants who completed NHS or HEE funded psychological training 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

Why Vita Health Group? Vita Health Group celebrates life. We improve physical and mental health through partnership with the NHS, insurers, and large corporate clients, offering a full range of physiotherapy services to private customers. Our culture supports staff well‑being, autonomy, flexibility, and continuous professional development. We are proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, supporting all employees through a range of benefits and employee assistance programmes. We are a Mindful Employer and hold several leadership and support schemes, including the Disability Confident Leader, Ethnicity Matters Scheme, Gender Matters Scheme, Menopause Friendly Commitment, and more. For more information, see our Careers page.

If you need adjustments or assistance in the application or interview process, contact [e-mail]. All applicant data will be stored securely in the UK and will be destroyed after six months if the application is unsuccessful. Vita Health Group reserves the right to close this job when sufficient applications have been received.