Job summary
We are currently recruiting a Trainee Cognitive Behavioural Therapist to join our team and undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in CBT at the University of Reading starting in February 2026. The appointed candidate will work as part of Community CAMHS South Team in Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The training involves teaching blocks as well as weekly teaching and supervision days at the University of Reading. Applicants must be willing to travel to Reading.
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 have a BABCP-recognised professional background in mental health or related areas. This means having a recognised Core Profession.
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).
Please see the BABCP website for guidance and exemplars.
Main duties of the job
If you have undertaken low-intensity CBT training (e.g., PWP, CWP or EMHP) you must have at least 2 years' experience between the exam board of your previous training (not just coursework completion or a letter from the department) and the start date of any high-intensity training.
This is nationally mandated and there are no exceptions; you will be asked to evidence your exam board date (or date of graduation certificate if no evidence of exam board) prior to invite to interview.
Applicants need to be able to start the Post Graduate training programme academic dates in February 2026 and commit to attendance.
You will work in the service for the remaining days of the week using your newly developed skills to ensure you gain the necessary clinical practice hours to fulfil the academic programme.
Please be advised this is a fixed term: 1 year post as part of a recruit to train post with university expectations, contract runs alongside academic year. There may be opportunities within each team for ongoing employment on successful completion of the course but this will be discussed locally.
NOTE:Students cannot be accepted onto any training programme if they are currently undertaking studies elsewhere or registered with another university.
Please do not contact the service directly with questions related to the training programme, for further course details please visit:https://www.reading.ac.uk/pcls/cbt-training
About us
#TeamNottsHC comprises over 11,000 dedicated colleagues who #MakeADifference every day. We deliver intellectual disability, mental health, community health, forensic, and offender healthcare services across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire. Our care is provided from over 200 sites, spanning community locations, acute settings, and secure environments, including prisons.
We are one of the largest mental health and community Trusts in the East Midlands and one of Nottinghamshire's biggest employers. We also host national and regional services, such as the National High Secure Deaf Service and the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health.
We offer a variety of employee-led staff networks, including Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) groups, the Green Champions network, the Freedom to Speak Up network, the Health and Wellbeing Champions network, and the Menopause Champions network. These networks play a vital role in supporting our diverse workforce and promoting a culture of inclusivity.
The health and wellbeing of our colleagues is a top priority. We invest significantly in this through our in-house occupational health and staff counselling services, supported by a dedicated Health and Wellbeing team.
The Trust is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, with a specialised Energy and Environmental team working to ensure compliance with environmental legislation, enhance our environmental performance, and achieve our net-zero commitment
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role Purpose:An NHS England funded training post as part of the CYP Psychological Trainings (formerly CYP-IAPT) which involves some time working as a Practitioner in Community CAMHS alongside some time studying with The University of Reading undertaking a programme of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
This intensive training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people and their families using the core principles of the CYP Psychological Training Programme and consistent with the evidence base of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The post-holder will work in the service, for at least 2.5 days of the week using the newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme or undertaking self-study days for the remaining days, as required by the education provider.
Role Context:To work as an integral part of the Community CAMHS service. Providing specialist mental health assessments, formulation, and a wide range of clinical interventions for children, young people, and families (up to the age of 18) who present with significant mental health problems/disorders, and who meet the referral criteria of the core areas of business.
They will work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary CAMHS team to enhance the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people within Nottinghamshire.
The post holder will hold an appropriate training case load and complete the necessary assignments to meet the course requirements.
Key Accountabilities:Clinical- Assess clients for suitability for the treatment for which modality specific training is provided.- Formulate, implement, and evaluate therapeutic intervention for clients in line with their training modality and experience.- Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.- Offer clinical assessment and evidence-based intervention whilst observing current best practice, legislation, and guidance.- Manage a caseload whilst considering and adhering to safeguarding policy and procedure alongside national/local legislation.- Plan and successfully manage smooth transitions where they are clinically indicated.- Working within the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) and Children and Young Peoples Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) frameworks and principles.- Aim to be innovative and creative in the delivery of therapeutic intervention/care bundle, and offer psychoeducation to children, young people, and families.- Involve the system around the child in treatment as appropriate, e.g. parent/carer, school, conveying therapy formulations with sensitivity in easily understood language.- Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols.- Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.- Observe and adhere to the Community CAMHS service specification, vision, aims and objectives
Training & Supervision- Apply learning from the training programme in practice. - Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical and case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered.- Fulfilling the requirements of and completing a PG diploma at University of Reading including practical, academic, and practice-based assessments, alongside private study.- To access and maintain all essential training.- Seek support from the Clinical and Operational Lead(s) where needed, as well as accessing regular clinical and managerial supervision as per trust policy and professional registration requirements.- To maintain competency, skills and a thorough working knowledge of the safeguarding childrens agenda, and to participate in safeguarding children supervision.- To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies, and procedures in relation to childrens mental health and social care needs.
Professional- Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional, and accrediting bodies (e.g., NMC, SWE, BPS, HCPC, BABCP), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health.- To maintain professional registration and to act in accordance with professional codes of conduct, practice, and guidelines.- Ensure that client confidentiality is always protected and comply with data management systems and processes including submissions to the training provider.- Ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed,and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.- To maintain expected levels of clinician: client activity.- To maintain accurate, timely and relevant clinical records both written and electronic in line with the trusts policies and procedures- Work in partnership with other teams within the Nottinghamshire and bordering CAMHS Services.- To attend and participate in team meetings, business meetings, supervision and support meetings as required.- Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuous Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.
General- To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.- Support colleagues and stakeholders in tackling stigma relating to mental health.- To ensure effective multi agency partnership working and increase the accessibility for services that work with children and young peoples emotional health and wellbeing needs.- Ensure adequate mechanisms for service user involvement to influence service design.- To develop an ethos of continuous quality improvement, striving to deliver a higher standard of professional care to the child and family.- To value diversity and promote equality of opportunity ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and respected for their contribution in terms of experience, knowledge, and skills.- To be mindful to the needs of children, young people, families, and individuals from a wide range of racial, cultural, sexual, religious, and social backgrounds to be inclusive of learning disabilities and to develop with colleagues innovative ways of meeting these needs.- All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients, and the public.- All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the GDPR and Security and Confidentiality Policies.
A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Job description
Job responsibilities
Role Purpose:An NHS England funded training post as part of the CYP Psychological Trainings (formerly CYP-IAPT) which involves some time working as a Practitioner in Community CAMHS alongside some time studying with The University of Reading undertaking a programme of training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
This intensive training post will equip the post-holder to provide interventions for children, young people and their families using the core principles of the CYP Psychological Training Programme and consistent with the evidence base of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The post-holder will work in the service, for at least 2.5 days of the week using the newly developed skills whilst attending the training programme or undertaking self-study days for the remaining days, as required by the education provider.
Role Context:To work as an integral part of the Community CAMHS service. Providing specialist mental health assessments, formulation, and a wide range of clinical interventions for children, young people, and families (up to the age of 18) who present with significant mental health problems/disorders, and who meet the referral criteria of the core areas of business.
They will work as part of a wider multi-disciplinary CAMHS team to enhance the mental and emotional wellbeing of young people within Nottinghamshire.
The post holder will hold an appropriate training case load and complete the necessary assignments to meet the course requirements.
Key Accountabilities:Clinical- Assess clients for suitability for the treatment for which modality specific training is provided.- Formulate, implement, and evaluate therapeutic intervention for clients in line with their training modality and experience.- Attend multi-disciplinary meetings relating to referrals or clients in treatment, where appropriate.- Offer clinical assessment and evidence-based intervention whilst observing current best practice, legislation, and guidance.- Manage a caseload whilst considering and adhering to safeguarding policy and procedure alongside national/local legislation.- Plan and successfully manage smooth transitions where they are clinically indicated.- Working within the Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) and Children and Young Peoples Improved Access to Psychological Therapies (CYP IAPT) frameworks and principles.- Aim to be innovative and creative in the delivery of therapeutic intervention/care bundle, and offer psychoeducation to children, young people, and families.- Involve the system around the child in treatment as appropriate, e.g. parent/carer, school, conveying therapy formulations with sensitivity in easily understood language.- Keep coherent records of all clinical activity in line with service protocols.- Work closely with other members of the team ensuring appropriate step-up and step-down arrangements are in place to maintain a stepped care approach.- Observe and adhere to the Community CAMHS service specification, vision, aims and objectives
Training & Supervision- Apply learning from the training programme in practice. - Prepare and present clinical information for all patients on their caseload to clinical and case management supervisors within the service on an agreed and scheduled basis, to ensure safe practice and the clinical governance obligations of the worker, supervisor and service are delivered.- Fulfilling the requirements of and completing a PG diploma at University of Reading including practical, academic, and practice-based assessments, alongside private study.- To access and maintain all essential training.- Seek support from the Clinical and Operational Lead(s) where needed, as well as accessing regular clinical and managerial supervision as per trust policy and professional registration requirements.- To maintain competency, skills and a thorough working knowledge of the safeguarding childrens agenda, and to participate in safeguarding children supervision.- To maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies, and procedures in relation to childrens mental health and social care needs.
Professional- Ensure the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional, and accrediting bodies (e.g., NMC, SWE, BPS, HCPC, BABCP), and keep up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the department of health.- To maintain professional registration and to act in accordance with professional codes of conduct, practice, and guidelines.- Ensure that client confidentiality is always protected and comply with data management systems and processes including submissions to the training provider.- Ensure clear professional objectives are identified, discussed,and reviewed with senior therapists on a regular basis as part of continuing professional development.- To maintain expected levels of clinician: client activity.- To maintain accurate, timely and relevant clinical records both written and electronic in line with the trusts policies and procedures- Work in partnership with other teams within the Nottinghamshire and bordering CAMHS Services.- To attend and participate in team meetings, business meetings, supervision and support meetings as required.- Keep up to date all records in relation to Continuous Professional Development and ensure personal development plan maintains up to date specialist knowledge of latest theoretical and service delivery models/developments.
General- To contribute to the development of best practice within the service.- Support colleagues and stakeholders in tackling stigma relating to mental health.- To ensure effective multi agency partnership working and increase the accessibility for services that work with children and young peoples emotional health and wellbeing needs.- Ensure adequate mechanisms for service user involvement to influence service design.- To develop an ethos of continuous quality improvement, striving to deliver a higher standard of professional care to the child and family.- To value diversity and promote equality of opportunity ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and respected for their contribution in terms of experience, knowledge, and skills.- To be mindful to the needs of children, young people, families, and individuals from a wide range of racial, cultural, sexual, religious, and social backgrounds to be inclusive of learning disabilities and to develop with colleagues innovative ways of meeting these needs.- All employees have a duty and responsibility for their own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients, and the public.- All employees have a responsibility and a legal obligation to ensure that information processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the GDPR and Security and Confidentiality Policies.
A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Please note applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment. The cost of the DBS application is £26.40 (standard) or £54.40 (enhanced), this cost will be deducted from your salary over the first 2 months of employment.
You are encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service. An annual fee of £16 per year applies.
Please note that this post does not meet the pay level required for a Skilled worker visa.
Successful applicants with no prior NHS experience would normally be placed at the bottom of the band in line with Agenda for Change. This salary is below the minimum salary required for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa. In these circumstances the Trust would not, therefore, be able to sponsor for a Skilled Worker / Health & Care visa.
Applicants requiring a Skilled Worker Visa can determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship against the relevant criteria here https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to undertake comprehensive mental health assessments of young people and their families.
- Able to assess clinical risk, develop and communicate appropriate risk management plans.
- Able to build purposeful, effective relationships with children and families.
- Able to communicate clearly, sensitively, and effectively using best evidence methods with children of different ages and abilities, their families, and the professional system.
- Ability to plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including producing appropriate reports and case records.
- The ability to manage a caseload and act as the lead professional for patients on your caseload.
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise the performance of self and others.
- Ability to use information technology effectively to promote effective working within relevant legislation and Trust policies, including the production of complex and comprehensive reports.
- Excellent Interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Skills and knowledge in utilising specific assessments and outcome measures including (CYPIAPT/CORC measures: RCADS, CORS/ORS etc).
- Understanding of other psychological interventions/professions relevant to CAMHS.
- Experience of facilitating group work, training, and consultation.
Knowledge
Essential
- Be committed to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
- An understanding of Child and Adolescent Development.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation within service area i.e. The Mental Health Act, Children Act, Mental Capacity Act.
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice alongside an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies within CAMHS.
- Familiarity and understanding of key national documents and developments affecting the delivery of CAMHS.
- Demonstrates an understanding of mental health difficulties in children and young people and how these may present.
Desirable
- Understanding of CYPIAPT agenda and principles.
Contractual Requirements
Essential
- A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- Able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post including to and from university and supervision.
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 2 years' experience of working with children, young people, and families with a range of emotional/mental health, behavioural and specific needs (additional health, developmental, offending or substance misuse needs).
- Experience of working with people who have difficulty in engaging with services and have complex mental health needs.
- Experience of assessing, formulating, planning, care coordinating, caseload management and supporting children and young people with mental health problems in a community setting.
- Experience of working as part and within a multi-agency environment.
- Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients.
- Ability to access any local resources and to use networking where possible.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
- Experience of mentoring and clinical supervision of others.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification: e.g. social work, nursing or a core qualification as defined in BABCP Or If core profession requirements not met with BABCP a Key Skills and Attitudes Portfolio will need to be completed
- For any candidates who have previously completed a low intensity training programme (CWP or PWP for example), two years of qualified practice (after graduation) are required before undertaking any high intensity training programme (e.g. CYP PT or CYP CBT).
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Has the ability to perform the full range of duties and across a variety of clinical area settings.
- Ability to complete the training in the management of violence and aggression/breakaway.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation.
Training
Essential
- Able to attend a two day per week course plus necessary clinical work to complete the training.
- Able to complete academic components of the course.
- Able to integrate training into practice.
Person Specification
Skills
Essential
- Ability to undertake comprehensive mental health assessments of young people and their families.
- Able to assess clinical risk, develop and communicate appropriate risk management plans.
- Able to build purposeful, effective relationships with children and families.
- Able to communicate clearly, sensitively, and effectively using best evidence methods with children of different ages and abilities, their families, and the professional system.
- Ability to plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing including producing appropriate reports and case records.
- The ability to manage a caseload and act as the lead professional for patients on your caseload.
- Ability to reflect on and critically appraise the performance of self and others.
- Ability to use information technology effectively to promote effective working within relevant legislation and Trust policies, including the production of complex and comprehensive reports.
- Excellent Interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Skills and knowledge in utilising specific assessments and outcome measures including (CYPIAPT/CORC measures: RCADS, CORS/ORS etc).
- Understanding of other psychological interventions/professions relevant to CAMHS.
- Experience of facilitating group work, training, and consultation.
Knowledge
Essential
- Be committed to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.
- An understanding of Child and Adolescent Development.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation within service area i.e. The Mental Health Act, Children Act, Mental Capacity Act.
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice alongside an understanding for the need to use evidence based psychological therapies within CAMHS.
- Familiarity and understanding of key national documents and developments affecting the delivery of CAMHS.
- Demonstrates an understanding of mental health difficulties in children and young people and how these may present.
Desirable
- Understanding of CYPIAPT agenda and principles.
Contractual Requirements
Essential
- A full UK driving licence and vehicle for business use is required for this post; however reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled individuals in line with the Equality Act 2010.
- Able to fulfil the travel requirements of the post including to and from university and supervision.
Experience
Essential
- A minimum of 2 years' experience of working with children, young people, and families with a range of emotional/mental health, behavioural and specific needs (additional health, developmental, offending or substance misuse needs).
- Experience of working with people who have difficulty in engaging with services and have complex mental health needs.
- Experience of assessing, formulating, planning, care coordinating, caseload management and supporting children and young people with mental health problems in a community setting.
- Experience of working as part and within a multi-agency environment.
- Able to develop good therapeutic relationships with clients.
- Ability to access any local resources and to use networking where possible.
Desirable
- Previous experience of working within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
- Experience of mentoring and clinical supervision of others.
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification: e.g. social work, nursing or a core qualification as defined in BABCP Or If core profession requirements not met with BABCP a Key Skills and Attitudes Portfolio will need to be completed
- For any candidates who have previously completed a low intensity training programme (CWP or PWP for example), two years of qualified practice (after graduation) are required before undertaking any high intensity training programme (e.g. CYP PT or CYP CBT).
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Has the ability to perform the full range of duties and across a variety of clinical area settings.
- Ability to complete the training in the management of violence and aggression/breakaway.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate that they act in line with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Values: Trust Honesty Respect Compassion Teamwork
- All colleagues are expected to demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and how it applies to their role. The Trust's expectations are highlighted within our EDI Policy, and associated EDI and Human Rights legislation.
Training
Essential
- Able to attend a two day per week course plus necessary clinical work to complete the training.
- Able to complete academic components of the course.
- Able to integrate training into practice.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
