Job summary
The NHS Talking Therapies programme is driving forward the expansion of its delivery of psychological interventions. This is an excellent opportunity to join a large and innovative NHS Foundation trust in which NHS Oxford Talking Therapies has a strong track record for supporting the development of psychological therapy services.
We are looking for people who have the enthusiasm and skills to join our service and who are committed to making a difference within primary care and the wider community. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic, skilled individual who will support a developing workforce and service delivery model in primary care.
Main duties of the job
The Trainee High-Intensity Therapist will be a core member of the Service, undertaking training to provide high-intensity interventions - initially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), whilst working in a training role working with clients who have a range of anxiety and depression-related problems for which CBT is demonstrated to be clinically effective.
The post involves providing psychological assessments and evidence-based interventions for people with common mental health problems and people living with long term physical health conditions (on the telephone and in an individual and group setting). Some of your role can be provided from home and you will also work out of TalkingSpace Plus venues within Oxfordshire.
After completion of the PG diploma in CBT course, you will then have an opportunity to develop your CBT skills further by delivering CBT groups, offering consultations to other staff and starting training in working with patients with Long term physical health conditions. Post holders will then progress to a band 7 position, typically within 6 months of completion of the course at the University of Reading.
About us
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"
Our values are: "Caring, safe and excellent"
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
1. Excellent opportunities for career progression
2. Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
3. 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
4. NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
5. Competitive pension scheme
6. Lease car scheme
7. Cycle to work scheme
8. Employee Assistance Programme
9. Mental Health First Aiders
10. Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
11. Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Job description
Job responsibilities
We are a nationally recognised and innovative NHS Talking Therapies service. Visit our website ( to find out more.
Staff wellbeing is a top priority - We have a very active, award winning, in- service wellbeing team and take a pride in our supportive and collaborative culture.
The Trust hosts the Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research and the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. NHS Oxfordshire Talking Therapies is actively involved in research and audit and benefits from strong links with the University of Oxford.
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 of the course 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 BABCP recognised Core Profession. You can find out whether you have a BABCP recognised Core Profession at
If you do not have a BABCP-recognised 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). You can find out more on the KSA portfolio here:
Prior to this interview, you must have completed self-statements for the KSA criterion required based on your experience. Please see the BABCP website above for guidance and exemplars.
Please also be aware, if you have completed previous Health Education England funded training (, PWP training), you cannot attend High Intensity training until 2 full years after your previous trainings exam boards we will require proof of this time period prior to interview if you completed PWP training in 2021.
All successful candidates will undertake an intensive one-year Post-Graduate Diploma IAPT: High-Intensity Psychological Therapies at the University of Reading (please visit the University of Reading website for further information on course registration requirements). Post-holders must be able to attend all university training as required. Most teaching will be 2 days per week in conjunction with a minimum period of high-intensity CBT clinical practice per week working within the service. You will also receive clinical supervision from the University and TalkingSpace Plus from BABCP accredited supervisors.
When completing the supporting information section of the application form, candidates should relate directly to the person specification requirements in the job description and should be answered in the same order as the specification.
The qualifications, training and experience requirements for the role are underlined in the Job Description/Person Specification.
Person Specification
Knowledge requirements
Essential
12. Demonstrates an understanding of anxiety and depression and how it may present in Primary Care
13. Demonstrates an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies and how it relates to this post
Qualifications
Essential
14. A recorded/registered qualification in one of the following at graduate level in nursing, social work, occupational therapy, arts therapy or within a psychological therapy.
15. Evidence using the career framework of training in mental health and experience working in a stepped care service for anxiety and depression
Experience
Essential
16. Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets
17. Ability to manage own caseload and time
18. Able to write clear reports and letters to referrers
19. Demonstrable experience of delivering CBT based interventions under supervision
Desirable
20. Experience of working in Primary Care Services
Skills
Essential
21. Ability to evaluate and put in place the effect of training
22. Computer literate
23. Has received training (either formal of through experience) and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
24. Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients
Contract/other requirements
Essential
25. Ability to work within a team and foster good working relationships
26. Ability to use clinical supervision and personal development positively and effectively
27. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
28. Able to attend other Trust and community premises for work and training purposes