Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£52,000 - £57,000
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Fairfield Industrial Estate, LN11 0LS
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	4 Aug 2026
Closing date:	25 Aug 2026

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Summary

1. Job Purpose Summary The post holder will provide CBT-informed assessment and behaviour-change interventions to support people engaging with the Lincolnshire Community Based Weight Management Service (LCWMS), using evidence-based approaches (including cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, motivational interviewing, and habit-based behaviour-change models) to address the psychological and behavioural barriers to weight management. This is a physical-health-focused role and does not involve treatment of primary mental health conditions. Where a patient's presentation suggests an active or unmet mental health need, the post holder will recognise this and refer via agreed pathways rather than provide treatment. The post holder will also provide direct behaviour-change support to patients with severe mental illness (SMI) who are engaged with LCWMS, focused specifically on weight-related behaviours, and will provide consultation, supervision and training to other LCWMS staff supporting this cohort. The post holder will work with people with different cultural backgrounds and ages and should be committed to equal opportunities. 2. Nature of the Service The Lincolnshire Community Weight Management Service (LCWMS) is a community-based specialist weight management service, delivered in partnership across the Lincolnshire Primary Care Network Alliance (PCNA), Lincolnshire and District Medical Services, K2 Healthcare and ICB partners. The service provides holistic, personalised weight management support in line with NICE NG246 (Overweight and obesity management, 2025), including for patients with complex comorbidities such as severe mental illness. Where the service supports patients with SMI, this is done with reference to NICE guidance on the physical health of people with severe mental illness (including CG178, CG185 and NG181) and the NHS England SMI physical health check framework, working alongside not in place of patients' existing mental health care. Duties Undertake behavioural and psychological assessment of patients referred to LCWMS, focused on identifying weight-related behaviours, barriers to change, motivation and readiness, and appropriate behaviour-change goals. This is a behavioural/physical-health assessment, not a mental health diagnostic assessment. Formulate patients' weight-related behaviours using cognitive behavioural and other evidence-based behaviour-change models and deliver 1:1 and group interventions in line with NICE NG246 (Overweight and obesity management, 2025). Make decisions on the suitability of referrals into the behaviour-change element of the LCWMS pathway, adhering to agreed referral protocols, and refer on to the relevant clinical or specialist service where behaviour change support is not appropriate. Provide direct 1:1 and group/MDT behaviour-change support to patients with severe mental illness (SMI) engaged with LCWMS, focused specifically on weight-related behaviours (for example eating patterns, physical activity, and antipsychotic-related weight gain), and not on treatment of the underlying mental health condition. Provide regular consultation, case discussion, training and advice to other LCWMS MDT staff (including dietitians, health coaches and nursing staff) supporting patients with SMI, to build their confidence and competence in managing weight-related behaviours within this cohort. Liaise as required with patients' community mental health teams or care coordinators to ensure the behaviour-change approach is consistent with, and does not conflict with, the patient's existing mental health care plan. Maintain clear scope-of-practice boundaries and recognise presentations that fall outside the behaviour-change remit of the role (for example signs of an active or deteriorating mental health condition, disordered eating, or risk), escalating and referring via agreed pathways. Contribute to LCWMS's data collection and outcome monitoring requirements relating to the behaviour-change workstream. Attend team meetings, MDT meetings and mandatory training. Attend regular clinical supervision. Provide supervision, training and consultation to other LCWMS staff on behaviour-change technique and practice, including trainee or less experienced practitioners as required. Comply with, and carry out, safe practice in accordance with Trust/organisational policies and procedures, and other relevant national and local guidance, including NICE guidance on overweight and obesity management (NG246) and physical health monitoring for people with severe mental illness

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