Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (Foundation Trainee): Sponsorship Available

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust

Job Summary

This is a training role within the NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression Programme (NHS TTad).

Trainees will work in NHS-commissioned services, undertake the NHS TTad national curriculum for High Intensity Psychotherapeutic Counsellors, and deliver a portion of the service’s high-intensity interventions under close supervision.

Each trainee will be trained in and deliver therapy in one of the following approved modalities, based on their specific pathway:

Couple Therapy for Depression (CTfD)

Brief Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT)

Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT)

Person-Centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD)

The training includes a Foundation stage, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7). Upon successful completion, trainees will be qualified to practise as High Intensity Therapists.

Recruitment is open to graduates or individuals with equivalent professional/academic experience, who demonstrate commitment to the NHS TTad model.

The combined training and service experience equips the trainee with the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to deliver inclusive, person-centred care. Trainees are expected to:

Attend all required taught and self-directed study days

Work in the service on remaining days, applying developing skills

Engage in regular supervision and reflective practice

 

Main duties of the job

  • Assess and support individuals with mild to moderate depression under supervision.
  • Conduct assessments to identify goals for change/recovery and assess risk to self or others.
  • Determine referral suitability.
  • Following assessment, agree a contract and focus for time-limited counselling.
  • Deliver counselling sessions in accordance with the NHS TTad Manual and evidence base, using face-to-face, video, or telephone formats.
  • Meet required levels of clinical activity to reduce waiting times and support timely access to therapy.
  • Complete all required data collection using approved electronic systems.
  • Maintain accurate and coherent clinical records and use outcome data in clinical decision-making.
  • Work closely with colleagues to ensure effective and integrated care.
  • Attend multidisciplinary meetings related to clients where appropriate.
  • Establish clear confidentiality boundaries in line with ethical and organisational standards.
  • Conduct and act on risk assessments, breaching confidentiality only where legally or ethically required.
  • Manage a caseload.
  • Involve family members or carers in treatment where clinically appropriate.
  • Address issues related to work and employment as part of the therapeutic process.
  • Practise from an inclusive values base, promoting recovery and respecting diversity

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised degree at 2:2 or above in any relevant subject, or equivalent, or Demonstrates competency via a portfolio of evidence, which meets specified academic equivalence requirements
  • Completed a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills, (minimum of 10 days or 60 hours of face-to-face tuition at level 2 or level 3). Note: Online courses are not acceptable. L2 Award, Helping Skills and Introductory courses are not acceptable

Experience

Essential

  • Show a commitment to working with people with common mental health problems
  • Demonstrable interpersonal skills and values consistent with providing hopeful, person-centred care within the NHS TTad stepped model of careApplication/ Interview Evidence of working within a team environmentApplication/ Interview

Skills and competencies

Essential

  • Demonstrates warmth, kindness, compassion, empathy
  • Able to develop good therapeutic relationships and maintain professional boundaries

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Closing Date: 26 August 2025

To apply for this job please visit apps.trac.jobs.