Job Advert
Psychological Therapist (Enhanced)
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 – 36
Contract Duration – Permanent
Post Details – The State Hospital Psychology Department is delighted to advertise a permanent opportunity for a Psychological Therapist (Enhanced) Band 6 to join our highly skilled and supportive multidisciplinary team. This is an exciting opportunity to develop specialist skills within Scotland's only high secure forensic mental health hospital.
The State Hospital provides high secure care and treatment for patients from Scotland and Northern Ireland who present with complex mental health needs and significant levels of risk. Our vision is to excel in the provision of high secure forensic mental health services, support the work of the Forensic Network, and be an exemplar employer committed to staff wellbeing and development.
As a Psychological Therapist (Enhanced), you will provide psychological assessment and evidence-based psychological interventions, primarily Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), for patients presenting with complex mental health difficulties in line with Enhanced Psychological Practice (Matrix Levels 2-3). You will have your own caseload with patients from admission through to discharge, under the supervision of the Psychological Therapist (Specialist) and / or Clinical Psychologists.
The successful candidate will work across a range of services and patient groups, including individuals with severe mental illness, personality disorder, and intellectual disabilities. The role involves delivering both individual and group interventions, contributing to multidisciplinary care planning, and supporting service evaluation, audit, and continuous improvement activities.
Experience –Applicants must be registered mental health professionals, such as Registered Mental Health Nurses or Occupational Therapists, with current professional registration (e.g. NMC, HCPC or BABCP), a degree in a relevant discipline, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Candidates should have experience of working with a range of mental health conditions and delivering CBT interventions within agreed clinical frameworks and supervision arrangements.
The Psychology Department is committed to supporting professional development and offers regular supervision, opportunities for continuing professional development, involvement in service development initiatives, and strong collaborative links with secure forensic services across Scotland, and other UK high secure hospitals.
This post offers an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner wishing to develop specialist forensic mental health skills while working within a nationally important service.
Closing Date – The closing date for applications is 06/09/2026. For an informal discussion please contact Dr Joe Judge, Consultant Clinical Psychologist on 01555 840293 ext. 2052 or email joe.judge@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 16-18 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.