Principal Clinical / Counselling Psychologist (AMHP)

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.

NHS Highland is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Principal Clinical / Counselling Psychologist to contribute to clinical leadership within Adult Mental Health Services across North Highland.

This is a 0.8 WTE permanent post, based on a 36 hour week full time contract, (pro rata 28.8 hr) offering an excellent opportunity for experienced clinicians seeking a leadership role with a balanced working pattern.

About The Role

As Principal Psychologist, you will:

Provide highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for adults with complex and enduring mental health difficulties

Lead the delivery and coordination of specialist psychological services within Community Mental Health Teams

Provide clinical leadership, supervision, consultation and training to psychologists, trainees and wider multidisciplinary colleagues

Contribute to service development, governance, audit and research, ensuring high standards of clinical practice

Deputise for the Head of Psychology in Adult Mental Health as required

Play a central role in shaping psychologically informed care across NHS Highland

About You

HCPC registered as a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist

An experienced practitioner with a strong background in adult mental health, including trauma informed practice

Skilled in working with complex presentations and providing consultation within multidisciplinary teams

Experienced in supervision, teaching and leadership, including supporting trainees and qualified staff

Confident contributing to service improvement, policy development and quality assurance

Why Join NHS Highland?

NHS Highland offers the opportunity to work in a supportive, forward thinking psychological service serving diverse urban and remote communities. You will join a committed and experienced psychology workforce with strong links to training, research and professional development.

Informal enquiries are welcomed. Please contact Alyson Jack, Head of Psychology in Adult Mental Health Sign in to view email

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 luchdlabhairt na Gàidhlig.
• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on Jobtrain.
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for short listing purposes
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date
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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 .