Clinical Psychologist

NHS National Services Scotland; Remote; GBP 62,000 - 68,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a part-time Clinical Psychologist to join their adult Mental Health Service in the Western Isles. This position focuses on delivering psychological assessments and interventions, requiring a skilled professional experienced in CBT and trauma-focused methods. While base work is at Western Isles Hospital, remote work options are available, with quarterly travel expectations. Ideal for those looking to embrace the unique lifestyle of island living while making a meaningful impact in community mental health.

Qualifications

• Experience working in adult mental health or psychology service.
• Skilled in the use of CBT and trauma-focused interventions.
• Competent in administering a range of neuropsychological assessments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and deliver psychological interventions to adults.
• Work collaboratively with Clinical Psychologists and Primary Care teams.
• Involvement in consultancy training and development of other professionals.

Skills

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Trauma-focused interventions

Neuropsychological assessments

Collaboration with professionals

Education

Experienced Clinical Psychologist

Job description

Clinical Psychologist – Band 8a

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 Psychologist
Band 8a £62,681 - £67,665 per annum
Plus, Distant Islands Allowance of £1,406 per annum
30 hours per week
Permanent post

A vacancy has arisen for a part-time, permanent 8A Clinical Psychologist based within the adult/older adult Mental Health Service covering NHS Western Isles. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute towards the ongoing development of psychology and psychological therapies within a small but supportive team. The postholder will be working closely with Clinical Psychologists and Primary Care teams based psychological therapies. The post requires a broad range of clinical skills, because when working in remote and rural areas, one has fewer options for onward referrals, so it’s important that we find someone that will strive to find the balance between generalist and specialist and will work collaboratively with a range of professionals to best support our community. You will be conducting assessments including cognitive assessment, developing shared formulations and delivering psychological interventions to a broad range of adults and older adults in both a community and inpatient setting. The postholder will also have a role in consultancy training and development of other professionals. The successful candidate must be an experienced Clinical Psychologist with experience working in adult mental health or psychology service. They will be skilled in the use of CBT, trauma focused interventions and ideally another therapeutic approach. They will also need to be competent and confident in administering a range of neuropsychological assessments.

The Western Isles lie 40 Nautical miles off the north-west coast of Scotland and consist of an archipelago of islands, eleven of which are uninhabited. The island group stretches approximately 140 miles from the butt of Lewis in the north to Barra in the south. They are linked together by a series of causeways, two ferries and an air service. The main hospital, Western Isles Hospital is a modern 116 bedded general hospital. There is a four bedded adult acute Psychiatrist Unit. The community hospital in Benbecula caters for the people of the Uists and Barra. You will be an integral part of our community mental health team. The main working base is Western Isles Hospital in the town of Stornoway on the Isles of Lewis, though in order to meet the needs of the wide rural community, psychological therapies and services are routinely delivered remotely using the NHS attend anywhere platform.

We are hoping to recruit a suitable candidate who is keen to live in the Western Isles and enjoy the unique experience that island life has to offer. However, we appreciate that for some living in the western isles permanently may not be an option. We are able to offer flexibility, with remote working options. For those requesting to work remotely they are expected to travel to the Western Isles on a quarterly basis and meet the cost of travel and accommodation.

If you think you may be interested in this exciting opportunity, please get in touch. Informal enquiries to Dr Lucy Abraham, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, [e-mail] or Mike Hutchison, Associate Director for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities; [e-mail] or call 01851 704704 extn 2410.

The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG Scheme (Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme). This post is not eligible for relocation expenses. All NHS Western Isles vacancies appear on the NHS Scotland website: apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk, along with a job description.

Closing Date 27th January 2026