Important Visa Information
This position offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. However, applicants must verify their visa eligibility directly with the employer before applying. The certificate of sponsorship does not guarantee visa approval, and applicants should familiarize themselves with UK visa requirements through the official UK Visas and Immigration website.
Job Overview
We are seeking a fully accredited CBT Therapist to join our expanding Wellbeing Service in Suffolk. This is a permanent, full-time position offering competitive salary and the opportunity to provide high-intensity interventions to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma-related problems. The Wellbeing Service is part of the national IAPT programme, helping people across Suffolk aged 16 and over who are suffering with mild to moderately severe anxiety and depression.
About the Company
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust is a leading healthcare provider committed to delivering excellent mental health services to our communities. We have ambitious aspirations and are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work. Our established nursing networks and exceptional leadership team ensure that staff are truly cared for and supported in their professional development.
Why Work for Us?
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly, and supportive team who enjoy sharing experiences and learning from each other. We offer ongoing training and development opportunities in an environment where you can thrive professionally. Our team culture emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and continuous learning.
Location and Lifestyle
The position is based in Ipswich, with opportunities to work across Suffolk. The area offers an exceptional quality of life with beautiful coastline, Broads National Park nearby, and excellent connections to London (just 1.5 hours away). Our villages, towns, and cities are rich in history, with independent cafes, shops, and theatres, top-ranking schools, and affordable housing prices.
Role Responsibilities
As a CBT Therapist, you will provide high-intensity interventions to adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related problems. You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, delivering NICE-compliant treatments at Step 3. The role includes both 1:1 work and co-facilitating group interventions, with training and support provided for group work delivery.
Key Duties Include:
- Providing high-intensity CBT interventions
- Receiving regular supervision and participating in CPD days
- Contributing to the ongoing development and evaluation of the service
- Working across Suffolk as required
- Maintaining professional standards and documentation
Working Pattern
This is a full-time permanent position with flexible working arrangements. We currently operate a hybrid working model with interventions delivered digitally and remotely from home, with an expectation of at least one day per week offering appointments face-to-face in the locality. Please note that remote contracts are not available at this time.
Qualifications Required
Applicants must hold BABCP accreditation as a CBT Therapist, which may have been gained following successful completion of High Intensity Therapist Training. You must also have a professional qualification and registration in a recognised mental health profession, with knowledge and experience acquired through relevant first professional qualification at degree or postgraduate degree level.
Essential Experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate theoretical knowledge of CBT/Therapies and the application of appropriate models of practice according to client need. Excellent communication skills with a range of people in various clinical and managerial settings are essential. Experience working in Primary Care would be advantageous.
Desirable Experience
Experience of working with a wide variety of patients while maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the face of highly emotive and distressing problems is desirable. This experience demonstrates the ability to handle complex cases with empathy and professionalism.
Salary and Benefits
This Band 7 position offers a competitive salary of £47,810 to £54,710 per annum gross. Benefits include an NHS pension, comprehensive in-house and external training programs, career progression opportunities, starting annual leave of 27 days per annum increasing to 33 days based on length of service (plus paid bank holidays), staff physio service, and NHS discounts.
Certificate of Sponsorship Information
The employer offers a certificate of sponsorship for eligible international candidates. Applications from job seekers requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcomed and will be considered alongside all other applications. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants must present criminal record certificates from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. This is a standard requirement for all NHS positions.
UK Registration Requirements
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information regarding overseas healthcare professionals working in the UK, please refer to the NHS Careers website. This requirement ensures that all practitioners meet the professional standards set by UK regulatory bodies.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please visit the NHS Jobs website and complete the online application form. Ensure you upload all required documentation, including your CV, covering letter, and proof of qualifications and BABCP accreditation.
Application Checklist for International Applicants:
- Confirm visa eligibility with the employer before applying
- Prepare criminal record certificates from all relevant countries
- Ensure your professional qualifications are recognized in the UK
- Prepare verification of your BABCP accreditation
- Include contact information for professional references
- Prepare documentation to prove your English language proficiency
Contact Information
For questions about this position, please contact Anna Mertziani, Team Leader, at anna.mertziani@nsft.nhs.uk. Please note that phone contact is not available for this position. All inquiries should be made via email for a prompt response.
Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 06 January 2026. Interview dates are yet to be set, and successful candidates will be contacted via email to book an interview time. Please ensure you regularly check your email, including your SPAM folder, as interview invitations may be sent to these folders.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and are committed to supporting disabled employees.
Further Information
For more details about our service offer, please visit our website at https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx. Additional information about the Wellbeing Service can be found at Mental Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Support (wellbeingnands.co.uk). Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we process your personal data.
Supporting Documents
The full Job Description and Person Specification are available for download as a PDF document. These documents provide detailed information on your key accountabilities and the specific requirements for this position. We recommend reviewing these documents thoroughly before completing your application.
Next Steps
If you are a dedicated CBT Therapist looking to make a difference in your local communities while developing your career within the NHS, we encourage you to apply. This position offers an excellent opportunity to join an established team of psychological therapists providing high-quality, evidence-based treatments to the people of Suffolk.