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An exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of Head of Learning Disability (LD) Psychology, NHS Highland (NHSH), covering the North Highland Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) region. This is a full time post as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead for the LD Psychology service across the region, encompassing community and inpatient work, embedded in a close-working multidisciplinary team. The role includes operational management and professional leadership for the specialty area. The post-holder has responsibility for the strategic development and provision of expert, comprehensive, specialist services for people with Learning Disability and their families / carers; working autonomously within professional guidelines and the overall framework of local and Board policies and procedures. They will provide consultation and professional leadership to colleagues / organisations throughout the North Highland HSCP, involved in the delivery of psychological care to this population; representing Psychology at professional meetings within Psychological Services and in board-wide and national strategic working groups and organisation committees.
In leading the team you will provide highly specialist psychological assessment and intervention, including specialist clinical psychology service to adults with learning disabilities exhibiting severe challenging behavior and inpatients with the New Craigs Hospital wards in Inverness. High level specialist skills and experience in line management, leadership, governance, service development and audit, clinical supervision, consultation, highly complex risk assessment and interventions, MDT working and staff training are central to the role.
Psychology Services within NHS Highland is a vibrant, dynamic and developing department, providing services across the region. The geographical nature of the health board area requires us to be innovative and continually adapt to change. The post-holder will support the Associate Director of Psychology and Director of Psychology in strategic development and governance of Psychological Services.
Informal enquiries and visits are welcome. Please contact Dr Ruth Sumpter, Interim Associate Director of Psychology; tel: 01463 704000 Ext: 8363; email: ruth.sumpter@nhs.scot
Interviews are planned for 24/09/2026.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
- Please note that this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a high number of applications are received. Early application is therefore advised.
- Please ensure the address on your application form reflects your current place of residence for your present workplace and can be verified through your identification documents.
- Applications are welcome from Gaelic speakers. / Tha fàilte air tagraidhean bho luchd‑labhairt na Gàidhlig.
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NHS Highland is geographically the largest of the 14 regional boards of NHS Scotland, covering an area of 12,500 square miles, across Highland and Argyll & Bute.
We employ over 10,700 people, making us one of the biggest employers in the area. As an organisation, we make a very significant contribution to the local economy.
Our staff are also important members of our communities. Our greatest asset is our workforce, and the way we go about our work comes from the values and behaviours we demonstrate on a daily basis. As a board we strive to ensure the environment is conducive to nurturing a positive culture, supported and delivered through our NHS and social care values.
Care and compassion | Dignity and respect | Openness, honesty and responsibility | Quality and teamwork |
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