Psychological Therapist- Talking Therapies

Job summary This is an exciting opportunity for a Psychological Therapist or Counsellor to join NHS Somerset Talking Therapies Service for Depression and Anxiety, working within either our South Somerset Team (Yeovil/Chard) or our Taunton Team. NHS Somerset Talking Therapies is a high‑performing service with one of the best recovery rates in the country. We have excellent links with the voluntary sector and secondary care through the Open Mental Health Somerset initiative. As part of our multi‑professional workforce in primary care, you will support adults experiencing depression, anxiety and long‑term health conditions, offering therapy both face‑to‑face and via video link. Flexible working opportunities are available. Applicants who do not yet hold a Talking Therapies‑compliant qualification in Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) or Person Centre Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE CfD) will be considered for a Band 6 recruit‑to‑train position, with full training provided. Job responsibilities Provide evidence‑based psychological therapy in line with NHS Talking Therapies standards, including Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) or Person Centre Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE CfD) Deliver individual and group‑based interventions both in person and remotely. Undertake triage and assessments, contributing to stepped care pathways. Manage a caseload of up to 18 clinical contacts per week, ensuring timely treatment delivery. Work collaboratively with colleagues across primary care, community mental health and voluntary sector services. Maintain accurate and timely clinical records using the IAPTus system. Contribute to clinical governance, service audits, user feedback and evaluations. Accept referrals via agreed protocols, assessing suitability for therapy and allocating patients appropriately. Formulate, implement and evaluate structured therapy programmes, ensuring interventions are adapted to the needs of individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Support the development of best practice and participate in service improvement initiatives. Liaise with employment advisers and other professionals to integrate work and social factors into treatment plans. Attend regular clinical supervision and case management, maintaining professional development and meeting accrediting body requirements (BACP, UKCP, NCS, HCPC). Contribute to the training and supervision of other staff, where appropriate. Ensure compliance with confidentiality, safeguarding, risk management and equality & diversity policies across the Trust. This role may involve working flexibly between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and occasional Saturdays. Travel within Somerset may be required. Person Specification — Qualifications (Essential) Accreditation with the BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCS, HCPC or equivalent. Practitioner qualification/accreditation in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant therapy modality: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) or Person‑centred Experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE‑CfD). Good record of Continuing Professional Development in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant counselling modality and willingness to continue this. Person Specification — Qualifications (Desirable) Further training or willingness and suitability to train in another NHS Talking Therapies compliant modality: IPT, DIT or CfD. Qualification and experience as a supervisor in an NHS Talking Therapies compliant modality. Person Specification — Experience (Essential) Experience of working to agreed performance targets demonstrating clinical outcomes. Person Specification — Experience (Desirable) Experience of providing psychological therapy within an NHS Talking Therapies (formally known as IAPT) service. Experience of line managing clinical or non‑clinical staff. Additional Criteria (Essential) Car driver or access to transport to travel to locations throughout the organisation with appropriate business insurance. Benefits Eligible staff enjoy the following benefits: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life. NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security. Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax. A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential. Access to the Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. 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). #J-18808-Ljbffr