INTERACT CBT Therapist

Job Number: SUPP106887

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Health Sciences

The role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced CBT therapist to join the research team working on a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT). The INTERACT trial is led from the University of Bristol and is being run in collaboration with the University of York and University College London. It is funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (PGfAR) scheme. The post holder will work alongside another 0.5FTE therapist who is established in the role.

The aim of the INTERACT programme is to integrate online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) materials with input from an accredited CBT therapist to deliver CBT to people with depression. The research team have developed an online platform that integrates therapist led CBT with online materials in a novel and flexible way. We have piloted the platform and found it to be acceptable to both therapists and patients. The INTERACT trial will determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of this integrated approach to delivering cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life over 12 months in primary care patients with depression.

The CBT practitioner will work using the standard Beckian model for depression. Training in use of the platform and regular expert supervision in the approach will be provided. Initial training in the platform will be provided during the first month of employment, together with training in trial protocols and procedures.

The CBT practitioner will be a mental health professional with current BABCP accreditation. One part-time post (0.5FTE) is available. Funding is available for 12 months in the first instance, but may be extended for (up to) a further 10 months dependent on successful completion of the internal pilot phase. The post will be available from 1st May 2021.

What will you be doing?

• Providing cognitive behavioural therapy to patients recruited to the INTERACT randomised controlled trial using the INTERACT online platform, demonstrating fidelity to the Beckian CBT model and ensuring adherence to all relevant standard operating procedures in line with trial requirements.
• Developing psychological formulations and identifying the most relevant intervention strategy; monitoring and evaluating progress, refining formulations and intervention strategies as necessary.
• Assessing and managing risk in vulnerable clients in line with the professional standards of your governing body and local policies and procedures, escalating concerns as appropriate. Referring, where appropriate, to primary or psychiatric services and, at times, working in co-operation with these services.
• Planning and prioritising workload, exercising autonomous professional responsibility for the assessment, treatment, and discharge of clients in line with an agreed activity contract.
• Ensuring records of appointments and other trial-related documents are kept in line with trial standards and confidentiality is maintained.
• Liaising with the trial research team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the trial with regards to patients receiving the trial intervention.
• Ensuring the maintenance of standards of practice according to the employer and any regulating, professional and accrediting bodies (e.g. UKCP, BABCP) and keeping up to date on new recommendations/guidelines set by the Department of Health

You should apply if

You are an experienced CBT practitioner who:

• Is accredited with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
• Has substantial experience of working with people with mental health problems, particularly mood disorders.
• Has knowledge and experience of delivering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for mood disorders.
• Has highly specialized clinical skills (as laid out in the competence framework for CBT (Roth & Pilling, 2007)) in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of people with problems suitable for CBT, including complex presentations of mood disorders.
• Has experience of managing a caseload and ensuring records are kept methodically.
• Has experience of working across agencies, both NHS and non-NHS
• Has excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) and are able to communicate sensitive information to patients, carers and colleagues.
• Is proficient in using IT.
• Is able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Is able to work flexibly according to the requirements of the role, including travel to face-to-face appointments at GP practices (in Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucs, Gloucs, Somerset or BANES) independent of public transport; and offering therapy outside standard office hours (e.g. early evening: 5-8pm)

A DBS check will be required in order to obtain a research passport which is needed for the role.

Interviews will be held on Friday 23rd April 2021.

For informal enquires please contact: Professor Nicola Wiles (nicola.wiles@bristol.ac.uk) or Professor David Kessler (david.kessler@bristol.ac.uk

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with funding until 02 May 2022

Work pattern: Part time

Grade: J

Salary: £38,017 – £41,526 per annum pro rata

School/Unit: Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School

Shift pattern: n/a

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on Sunday 11th April 2021.

We welcome applications from all members of our community and are particularly encouraging those from diverse groups, such as members of the LGBT+ and BAME communities, to join us.

How to apply

Application can be made here:

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/jobs/find/details/?jobId=217094&jobTitle=INTERACT%20CBT%20Therapist