Job summary
In an exciting development, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) are seeking to recruit a number of Trainee Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. Post holder will be supported to deliver evidence based psychological treatment to children and young people and their families in one of our established Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) either in South Tyneside, Sunderland or Gateshead.

Successful applicants will gain experience of providing psychological therapies for children and young people using NICE recommended and evidence-based mental health treatments. As a trainee, they will also be expected to attend and complete CBT - PG Diploma in Evidence Based Psychological Therapy (CBT) training at Northumbria University and complete the course within 12 months. This will enable the successful trainee to and gain the skills and knowledge to enable them to deliver High Intensity CBT Interventions. The training course with the University commences in January 2027, therefore it is essential that the trainees will be available for employment January 2027.

Main duties of the job
As part of their training, successful applicants will deliver CBT psychological interventions in one of the children, young people and mental health services. The practitioners will play a full part in the effective development of the services. Regular supervision is an important aspect of the work of the service and trainees will receive regular supervision.

Applicants will need to have Professional qualification teaching, nursing, SW,AHP. Counselling or within a psychological therapy.

Experience of working in assessment and treatment to support the mental health needs of children, young people and their families.

Experience of working within the community.

Ability to engage vulnerable and underserved populations.

Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and the promotion of welfare in children and young people

Knowledge of universal and specialist childrens mental health service provision.

Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Proven time and caseload management skills.

Ability to work flexibly in a variety of environments.

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other associated IT packages.

Proven organisational skills.

Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle

Trainees are eligible for training if they have not accessed an CYP-PT funded training programme within the last 2 years of qualifying

About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements. If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities
For the post holder to work as a member of the Children and Young peoples mental Health Service (CYPMHS).
For the post holder to be part of one of the localities of Sunderland South Tyneside or Gateshead. To be identified on appointment.
For the post holder to work with children and young people and their families who have a range of mental health problem that will benefit from a high intensity cognitive behaviour therapy ( CBT ) treatment. The post holder will deliver this in a training capacity.
For the post holder to use evidence-based interventions as per clinical training ( Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ), and deliver training where appropriate.
For the post holder to work with children and young people and families from different cultural backgrounds and underserved populations, using interpreters when necessary and be committed to providing equal opportunities.
For the post holder to meet targets that are set within the service.
For the post holder to successfully undertake training on the CBT - PG Diploma in Evidence Based Psychological Therapy (CBT) course at Northumbria University and completed within 12 months.

FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION SEE ATTACHMENT

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a children and young peoples mental health service
• Experience of offering assessments and treatments to children, young people and their families.
• Experience of working within the community or education setting.
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and the promotion of welfare in children and young people.

Desirable

• Working in a service where agreed service targets are in place that demonstrates clinical outcomes.

Physical skills
Essential

• Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
• Ability to manage own time and diary and to manage demands of both training course and work in service
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk is across the full duration of the working day.
• Ability to on occasion, move and handle objects in line with Trust guidelines using appropriate aids.
• Ability to work flexibly sometimes working additional or unsocial hours as necessary to meet the needs of the service and ensure complete understanding is had in relation to care delivery.
• Standard keyboard skills

Qualifications
Essential

• Willingness to Undertake and successfully complete CBT - PG Diploma in Evidence Based Psychological Therapy (CBT) training at Northumbria University, within 12 months.
• Professional qualification teaching, nursing, SW,AHP. Counselling or within a psychological therapy.
• Trainees are eligible for training if they have not accessed an CYP-PT funded training programme within the last 2 years of qualifying

Skills and Knowledge
Essential

• Working Knowledge of universal and specialist childrens mental health service provision.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other associated IT packages.
• Proven organisational skills
• Proven time and caseload management skills
• Able to write clear reports and letters. Demonstrates a high standard in both written and oral communication.
• Ability to engage vulnerable and underserved populations.
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to work flexibly in a variety of environments.
• Ability to work under supervision and make good use of the supervisory process for personal and clinical development.
• Experience of and carried out risk assessments within scope of practice
• Demonstrates an understanding of the need for evidence based psychological therapies.

Desirable

• Demonstrates a knowledge of child development and the links with childhood mental health

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.