Trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapist

Trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
Company: South West Yorkshire Partnership Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Job ID: C9378-B2390
Closing date: 09 November 2026

Job summary
Barnsley NHS Talking Therapies Team aims to improve access to psychological therapy and treatment for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, in Barnsley, to ensure people with common mental health conditions are offered evidence-based treatments. The service opening hours are Monday-Thursday 9-8 and Friday 9-5. The service offers a range of therapies at step 2 and step 3, delivered by various means including face to face, virtual, telephone and computerised. We offer groups, workshops and one to one appointments to clients.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced professional to train to be become a High Intensity (CBT) Therapist working with clients who present with mild to moderate common mental health problems such as depression and the spectrum of anxiety presentations. Successful applicants should have a core profession, or able to demonstrate equivalent via KSA. It would also be desirable if you have had training and experience in delivering supervision and have experience working in a primary care setting.

You will need to demonstrate an understanding of anxiety and depression and how these can present in primary care. It is essential that you possess advanced communication skills and a good understanding of clinical risk.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to have their up-to-date flu vaccination to protect staff and patients.

Main duties of the job
As a trainee member of the CBT team, you will receive regular supervision at university and in practice, giving the opportunity to develop and practice skills in a safe environment, and then implement these skills in live practice.

You will have responsibility for a reduced caseload where you will assess and treat clients presenting with mild to moderate common mental health problems.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for sponsorship. We are happy to accept applications from candidates who can prove their right to work in the UK or via alternative visa routes. Such applications will be considered alongside all other applications.

The first 2 weeks of the course will be entirely in university, followed by 2 days at university and 3 days in practice each week.

About us
We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative.

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers.

We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: C9378-B2390
Job location: Barnsley Talking Therapies, Rose Tree Avenue, Cudworth, Barnsley, S Yorkshire, S72 8UA

Key Responsibilities

• Provide High Intensity CBT interventions for people experiencing mild to moderate common mental health problems, under the supervision of a BABCP Accredited CBT clinician.
• Work as part of a team to deliver person centred care, including risk assessment and intervention.
• Undertake regular professional supervision, CPD and reflective practice to expand clinical skills.
• Maintain the highest standards of clinical record keeping, report writing and professional governance.
• Work flexibly both in terms of base and in hours of clinical availability.

Essential Criteria

• Registered qualification in core mental health/social welfare profession, or ability to demonstrate learning equivalent to level 6 higher education study.
• Minimum of 2 years post qualification experience.
• Willingness to undertake Post Graduate Diploma in CBT and attend university course 2 days per week.
• Communication skills, IT literacy and ability to travel around the Trust as appropriate to the role.
• Caring, team player, commitment to supervision and support.

Desirable Criteria

• Research skills and knowledge of adult and child protection legislation.
• Experience working with service users in the clinical area, different theoretical approaches, and working with other disciplines.
• Flexible and committed to client group.

Employer details
South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust, Barnsley Talking Therapies, Rose Tree Avenue, Cudworth, Barnsley, S Yorkshire, S72 8UA. For questions about the job, contact Tom Brown at tom.brown@swyt.nhs.uk or 01226644900.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.