Job Advert
Arts Therapists (Art Psychotherapist and Drama Therapist) x 2
AfC Band 6 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata)
Hours – 14.4 hours week for each post
Contract Duration – Permanent
Post Details – An exciting opportunity for two Arts Therapists (Art and Drama) to join the redesigned Arts Therapies Service at The State Hospital. The Arts Therapies Service is part of the Allied Health Professions Department (AHP) and provides specialist arts psychotherapies to men and women with complex care and treatment needs in an NHS high-secure hospital.
These roles would enable the post-holders to contribute to the redevelopment of the Arts Therapies service to include Art Psychotherapy and Drama Therapy as an available treatment to patients at The State Hospital. Each of the successful applicants will be part of the Arts Therapies team and responsible for delivering group and I:I sessions. They will be expected to respond to the identified needs of patients and contribute to a multi-disciplinary care plan approach. Each post-holder will also have opportunities to contribute to strategic goals within the larger AHP department as they arise.
Why This Role Matters - As part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team within a high-secure forensic environment, you will:
- Work with individuals with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge.
- Provide arts-based therapeutic interventions with a focus on developing emotional relatedness to help manage risk and promote recovery.
- Work autonomously with a defined caseload utilising supervision and evidence-based practice effectively.
- Support the Lead Arts Therapist on service development, clinical audits, research, and innovation within the ATs service, and the wider AHP department.
Your work will directly influence patient progress, safety, independence and long-term outcomes.
Experience We’re looking for a practitioner who is:
- A qualified and HCPC registered Arts Therapist (specifically Art Psychotherapy and Dramatherapy).
- Experienced in mental health or learning disabilities and motivated to work in a forensic setting.
- Confident in managing complex clinical situations and risk.
- Skilled in the tools and techniques of their respective modality.
- Motivated, reflective, and passionate about person-centred care.
- A team-player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
This is an opportunity to step into a role where your professionalism and creativity will thrive, and where every day brings new challenges and rewards.
What We Offer
- A supportive and highly specialist multidisciplinary team.
- A strong culture of professional development, including CPD, supervision and opportunities to present at local and national conferences. Regular clinical supervision and line management will be provided by the Lead Arts Therapist.
- The chance to influence service development within a national high-secure environment.
- A working culture grounded in safety, respect, compassion and evidence-based care.
Closing Date – The closing date for applications is 10th June 2026. For an informal discussion please contact Kristin Macdonald, Lead Arts Therapist on 01555 840293, ext. 4473, or arrange a discussion via email at kristin.macdonald@nhs.scot.
If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on tsh.jobs@nhs.scot to discuss your requirements.
Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in this position therefore we may close the vacancy prior to the closing date once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Please ensure you complete and submit your online application at an early stage to avoid disappointment.
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. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact TSH.Jobs@nhs.scot
Right to Work – To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.
Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.
Artificial Intelligence – Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.