The closing date is 14th Jul 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) 5th August
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Job summary
Are you a qualified Psychotherapist looking to make a real difference? Join our welcoming Bridgwater team within NHS Somerset Talking Therapies, where your expertise will help transform the lives of people experiencing depression, anxiety, and long-term health conditions.
You'll deliver high-quality, evidence-based therapy as part of a supportive, high-performing service known for achieving some of the best recovery outcomes in the country. You'll work within a collaborative environment, with strong links across primary care, community services, and the voluntary sector.
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.
We also welcome applications from qualified psychotherapists who are accredited with a recognised professional body (BACP, UKCP) and are willing to undertake Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) training. Successful candidates will be appointed at Band 6 until they have completed the required training and achieved qualification.
For more information on training and suitability: https://www.annafreud.org/training/courses/interpersonal-psychotherapy-practitioner-training-ipt/
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
You'll play a vital role in supporting adults with moderate to severe mental health difficulties, helping them move towards recovery through structured, evidence-based interventions. Whether working one-to-one or with groups, your focus will be on creating meaningful therapeutic relationships that empower people to make lasting changes.
You'll regularly connect with GPs, primary care teams, community mental health services, and voluntary sector partners, ensuring that each person receives the right support at the right time. This integrated approach means you'll see the real impact of your work beyond the therapy room.
Managing a consistent caseload and maintaining accessibility of therapy for patients
Supporting stepped care pathways, including appropriate step-up and step-down decisions
Keeping up to date with best practice, guidelines, and ongoing professional development
You'll be supported to grow professionally, with opportunities to expand your skills, contribute to service improvements, and develop supervisory or leadership responsibilities over time.
What You'll Bring
Accreditation as an Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPTUK) or willing and able to train
Experience delivering psychological therapy within an NHS Talking Therapies setting (or similar)
A passion for delivering compassionate, person-centred care
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy clinical workload
A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous improvement
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About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
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
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
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Job description
Communication and Collaborative Working
Work closely with your team, including therapists, clinical leads, and service managers, contributing to shared goals and delivering excellent patient outcomes
Build strong relationships with GPs, primary care networks, community mental health teams, and voluntary sector partners, helping to create a seamless and integrated care experience for patients
Offer professional guidance around psychological therapies, sharing your expertise to support colleagues and wider services
Clinical Practice and Patient Care
Manage referrals and carry out thorough clinical assessments, developing clear formulations to guide effective treatment
Deliver structured, evidence-based Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), supporting individuals and, where appropriate, groups
Create focused, time-limited treatment plans that empower patients to achieve meaningful change
Sensitively involve families or support networks where appropriate, ensuring a holistic approach to care
Manage a consistent caseload, balancing assessments and therapy sessions to maintain timely access to treatment
Make clinically informed decisions within a stepped care model, ensuring patients receive the right level of support and are smoothly transitioned when needs change
Service Delivery and Quality
Contribute to achieving key performance targets by maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring efficient use of appointments
Participate in audits, service evaluations, and feedback processes, using insights to continuously improve care
Support the ongoing development of the service, helping to shape best practice and innovative approaches to therapy delivery
Professional Practice and Development
Maintain high standards of clinical governance, ensuring your practice aligns with professional, ethical, and NHS guidelines
Actively engage in clinical supervision, case discussions, and performance reviews to continually develop your skills
Keep up to date with the latest evidence-based approaches and developments within NHS Talking Therapies
Take ownership of your continuing professional development, with opportunities to expand your expertise and progress your career
Administration and Record Keeping
Maintain accurate, timely clinical records using digital systems, ensuring all patient interactions and outcomes are clearly documented
Manage your workload effectively, keeping on top of documentation, appointments, and administrative tasks within required timeframes
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
Accreditation with the BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCS, HCPC or equivalent.
Practitioner qualification/accreditation in NHS Talking Therapies-compliant counselling modality: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Diploma or higher award in counselling or recognised training / qualification in a major psychological therapy approach.
Good record of Continuing Professional Development in an IAPT-compliant counselling modality and willingness to continue this.
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Desirable
Further training or willingness and suitability to train in another IAPT-compliant modality: IPT, DIT or CfD
Qualification and experience as a supervisor in a NHS Talking Therapies modality
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Experience
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Essential
Experience of providing psychological therapy within an NHS Talking Therapies (or IAPT) service
Experience of working to agreed performance targets demonstrating clinical outcomes
Ongoing supervision and current psychological therapy work
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Desirable
Experience of line managing clinical or non-clinical staff
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
Car driver or access to transport to travel to locations throughout the organisation with appropriate business insurance
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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.
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UK Professional Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
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For help with your application, contact:
Helen Maharaj
[email protected]
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 7
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Salary
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£49387.00 to £56515.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Full-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-5090
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Job locations
Glanville House
Church Street
Bridgwater
Somerset
TA6 5AT
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