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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.
Clinical/Counselling Psychologist – Adult Mental Health Psychology x 2 posts
NHS Highland currently has an exciting opportunity to join our Psychological Services Team in Community Adult Mental Health. As well as qualified Clinical/Counselling Psychologists, we welcome applications from current trainees who are due to complete their training this year.
Applications are welcomed from those who want to work flexibly, with a hybrid model of remote and on-site working. However, the postholder will be expected to spend a proportion of their working time on site at New Craigs Hospital in Inverness.
You would be joining a friendly team made up of eight Clinical/Counselling Psychologists, four CBT Therapists, four Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology, an Assistant Psychologist and trainees.
Uniquely, you would sit within the Psychology team while providing input to the secondary care Mental Health Service through local CMHTs across NHS Highland. This has the benefit of regular contact and support from your Psychology colleagues, while also allowing you to establish good working relationships with our multidisciplinary teams.
Within the department there are a variety of therapeutic orientations, with our clinicians delivering a range of psychological therapies, including EMDR, ACT, CFT, CBT, Schema Therapy and CPT. Specialist supervision groups are available, as well as monthly departmental CPD meetings and peer supervision. Clinical supervision would be provided by more senior Clinical/Counselling Psychology staff working in the department.
Clinical work would involve triaging and assessing people referred to the CMHT for whom a psychological intervention is indicated. Psychological interventions would be delivered individually and in groups, in person and online. An interest in trauma work would be beneficial, and you would be well supported in developing competency in this area. Further Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities are also supported.
The role involves regular input to CMHT meetings and providing consultation to MDTs. There are also opportunities to provide training and supervision for other professionals. The Psychology Service has strong working links with the West of Scotland Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters training programmes, including opportunities for teaching, supervision of trainees and research.
Our team is based at New Craigs Hospital, in the growing city of Inverness, which offers amenities including restaurants, bars, music venues, theatres, cinema, history, culture and sports. The city provides a high quality of life with excellent transport links, including regular air services to hubs such as London and Amsterdam.
The Highlands of Scotland is the largest and most sparsely populated health board in Scotland covering 41% of the country’s landmass. The scenery and quality of living is outstanding. Renowned for its beauty, its varied scenery ranges across mountains, beaches, lochs, castles and glens. With excellent opportunities for an outdoor lifestyle, facilities include sailing, mountain biking, snow sports, hiking and open water swimming. Many of the team have moved to the Highlands for the fantastic lifestyle it can provide and we are therefore always welcoming and inclusive to those who have relocated.
Relocation expenses will be available to successful candidates on application and should be discussed at interview.
The Psychology Service within NHS Highland is a supportive, dynamic and developing department, providing services across the region. The nature of the health board area requires us to be innovative and continually adapting to change. Due to the current challenges faced by the NHS we are embracing change and improvement to our service. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the development of psychological services and the wider Adult Mental Health Service.
Informal enquiries and visits are welcomed.
If you choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section.
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Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
Informal enquiries to: Dr Fiona Corrigan, Principal Clinical Psychologist, email: fiona.corrigan4@nhs.scot, or Dr Kati Hallikainen, Principal Counselling Psychologist, email: kati.hallikainen@nhs.scot
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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