Recruit to Train CBT Therapist in Mental Health Support Teams

Job overview

SABP Mental Health Support Teams in Schools have an exciting opportunity for Recruit to Train Trainee CBT Therapists to join our team as part of the NHS England funded Children and Young People (CYP) Psychological Training Programmes (formerly CYP-IAPT). We currently have roles based in both our Surrey MHSTs (base TBC) and North East Hampshire team (based out of Aldershot Centre for Health).

The post-holder/s will attend a fully funded one year training, completing a Post Graduate Diploma in CYP-PT therapies, in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) whilst 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. The training post will equip the post-holder to provide support for children, young people or families using evidence-based intervention consistent with the course they are attending. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages, using interpreters when necessary and should be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

MHSTs are part of a wider ‘School Based Needs Team’ who deliver early intervention mental health support for children and young people, ensuring they receive the right support to meet their needs, at the right time, in alignment with the THRIVE model.

Main duties of the job

This is a permanent post with this training year funded by HEE. After successful completion of the course you will continue your employment within the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) using the new skills you have developed. You will continue in the MHST as a Band 6 Senior Clinician, delivering all 3 functions of MHSTs, including direct work with CYP and families, offering consultation and advice to school and supporting the delivery of Whole School Approach work.

This role will be best suited for applicants that are able to balance a very busy work and study schedule. You will be an employee at the service but also enrolled on a Postgraduate Diploma course. As this is a Postgraduate level training, you will be required to study and perform at academic level. Applicants must be prepared to work towards their studies outside of protected study time (such as on weekends and after work). Protected study time or teaching days are typically two days a week during term (with possibility of extra university days near start) and will be a mixture of in person and online sessions. Applicants must be willing to travel to Reading to attend their lectures.

HEE are also expecting to implement a new rule regarding beneficiaries of their training year funding. We recommend you read this if you plan to apply to future trainings.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached for the detailed job description and person specification.

The course you will be completing at the University of Reading as part of this role is a Level 2 accredited course with BABCP. This means that upon completion trainees will meet criteria to apply for provisional accreditation as a CBT therapist with the BABCP.

To apply, you must meet the criteria for CBT training and also have a BABCP-recognised professional background in mental health or related areas. This means having a recognised Core Profession. You can find out whether you have a recognised Core Profession here.

If you do not have a Core Profession, you must complete a portfolio of evidence to show that you have equivalent training and experience. This is known as the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes portfolio (KSA). If applying via the KSA route, you must have completed your KSA criteria before interview and, a job offer will be made subject to passing the KSA. Please see the BABCP website for guidance and exemplars.

If you have completed previous Health Education England funded training (e.g. CWP/EMHP training), you cannot attend High Intensity training until 2 full years after your previous training’s exam boards – we will require proof of this time period prior to interview if you completed CWP/EMHP training in 2024.

Subject to reasonable adjustments in respect of any disability, Trainees must possess a valid driving licence and be able to drive and have the unrestricted use of a car or motorcycle for work at all times including community based work.

Please note post holders must successfully complete the course as a condition of this role.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.