Clinical​/Counselling Psychologist

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.

• Care and Compassion
• Quality and Teamwork
• Dignity and Respect
• Openness, honesty and responsibility

We have a permanent Band 8a vacancy (0.69 WTE) within Renew, our Primary Care Mental Health Team, based at NHS Borders. The team is managed by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and includes:

• 3× 8B Clinical Psychologists
• 3× 8a Clinical Psychologists
• 10× CAAPs
• 5× Assistant Psychologists
• Enhanced Psychological Practitioners

• Provide direct clinical work with patients, including assessment and treatment of individuals or groups referred to the service
• Supervise staff and contribute to the delivery and governance of the service
• Engage in quality improvement projects to enhance the service

While many tasks can be performed remotely, the role requires regular in‑person attendance. Successful candidates must be able to travel to the Borders and will have access to an office base at Newtown St Boswells.

The service is dynamic and supportive, offering delivery, training and supervision in psychological therapies to a rural population of 115,000 people. We are in the midst of a transformation to broaden mental health services from primary care to inpatient and rehabilitation settings.

The Borders is within easy reach of Edinburgh. The Tweedbank rail service provides a 45‑minute commute from Edinburgh, with a 20‑minute walk to Borders General Hospital.

We offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for growth and career development, and a competitive salary based on the Agenda for Change framework.

Consider an informal discussion or to discuss this post in more detail with Dr Louise Keir, Consultant Clinical Psychologist Primary Care
.

Tel:

As from 1 April 2026 the Agenda for Change full‑time working week will be reduced from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part‑time hours will be reduced pro‑rata. However, a corresponding increase in the hourly rate will keep pay unchanged.

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check. If the role is assessed as a “regulated role”, appointment will be subject to the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Any changes will be confirmed by the Hiring Manager or Recruitment Team. For more details, visit the relevant websites.

To work in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate eligibility to work in the country. NHS Scotland will check entitlement to work in the UK through visa, EU settled status, pre‑settled status or other routes. If you do not have the necessary eligibility, sponsorship via a UK Skilled Worker/Health & Care Worker Visa may be possible only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the post exceeds the minimum salary threshold.

It is essential that you have confirmed your right to work or eligibility for sponsorship before submitting your application.

We cannot accept late applications; please apply early.

The salary quoted is for full‑time hours (37 hrs per week). For part‑time appointments, the salary will be pro‑rata.