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NHS Borders CAMHS – Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology for Children and Young People
Band 7 | 1 WTE | Fixed term (24 months)
Base: Andrew Lang Unit, Selkirk
We invite (internal) applications for a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology for Children & Young People (CAAP) post within our integrated CAMHS and Neurodevelopmental (ND) service. This role has a primary focus on our neurodevelopmental patient flows.
Applicants must hold CAAP competencies and either have completed the 2025 Course with the ND additional training add‑on or be a CAAP with recent post‑qualification experience delivering ND work with children and young people.
We are seeking a colleague with competencies in contemporary neurodiversity assessment, alongside evidence‑based mental health interventions (e.g. CBT), family‑based assessment and feedback, psychoeducation, and experience of groupwork with children, young people and/or parents. Familiarity with LIAM/BA approaches and parenting interventions (e.g. Incredible Years, Triple P, Mellow Parenting), together with knowledge of trauma and attachment, are desirable.
The role requires strong skills in holistic formulation, reflective practice, supervision, caseload organisation, and high‑quality written and verbal communication.
The post includes organising, coordinating, and undertaking neurodevelopmental and intellectual disability assessment components; preparing evidence for diagnostically focused formulation meetings; producing formal correspondence; providing direct feedback to children, young people and families; contributing to multi‑agency meetings; and delivering interventions for families of neurodivergent CYPs where appropriate.
The post also includes some general CAMHS clinical duties on a rota basis and may involve ND‑focused projects such as groupwork or development of video or written resources.
NHS Borders CAMHS is a combined mental health and neurodevelopmental service with a large rural catchment. We are therefore looking for an adaptable CAAP who can work flexibly, contribute in fast‑paced multidisciplinary settings, travel independently, and work across community bases and schools. Balancing efficiency with quality, using initiative, collaborating, and being open to multiagency service developments will be crucial.
Supervision will be provided by a Clinical Psychologist. Peer support, accessible line management, and CPD are features of our team ethos. The post is ALU (Selkirk) based, with clinics delivered across the Scottish Borders (including the Borders General Hospital and locality bases) and via Near Me where appropriate. As much of the work will be off-site ready access to a car is almost essential.
The Scottish Borders offers a high quality of life with affordable housing and access to countryside, although many staff commute from the Lothians. Relocation expenses may be available for eligible candidates.
Enquiries:
Dr Andy Gentil, Consultant Clinical Psychologist / Lead for CAMHS Psychology, NHS Borders
Tel: 01750 23715
As from 1st April 2026 the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service.
As part of the pre-employment checks for a preferred candidate, NHS Scotland Boards will check your entitlement to work in the UK. It can be evidenced through a number of routes including specific types of visa as well as EU settled and pre-settled status. To find out more about these routes of permission, please refer to the GOV.UK website here.
For specific types of post, if you do not have the necessary eligibility to work in the UK, it might be possible (though not guaranteed) to secure sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa. However, this is only possible if the employer is a licenced Sponsor, and if the post does not fall below the current minimum salary threshold or ‘going rate’. Further information on these criteria can be found here.
It is ESSENTIAL that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored BEFORE submitting your application form
***PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accept late applications so please ensure your application is submitted early***
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.