Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Adult Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Join to apply for the Clinical/Counselling Psychologist (Adult Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder) role at NHS Orkney.
About The Organisation
As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision: looking after our community and providing excellent care. Whether you’re starting your NHS journey or bringing expertise from another NHS employer, your skills will make a real difference to the health and lives of Orkney’s 22,000 residents.
Our state-of-the-art healthcare facility, The Balfour, opened in 2019 and is home to modern inpatient wards, an emergency department, outpatient clinics, diagnostics, GP practices, and the Scottish Ambulance Service. Collaboration thrives here, ensuring exceptional care for every patient. Beyond our main facility, we’re investing in our outer isles, enhancing services, and transforming patient care across our islands.
About Orkney
Orkney itself is nothing short of magical. With over 70 islands (20 inhabited), this breathtaking destination offers stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cultural and sporting activities. Recognised as one of the UK’s best places to live, Orkney promises a lifestyle like no other.
The Post
Thank you for your interest in our new Band 8B Practitioner Psychology vacancy based in The Balfour, a rural general hospital at NHS Orkney. We believe working in a rural hospital can be both professionally and personally tremendously rewarding.
This post is new, and the successful candidate will be responsible for developing a new service by completing highly specialist diagnostic assessments of suspected Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD in adults, with or without Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Difficulties. The postholder will also provide post-diagnostic support and treat a variety of disorders including Trauma-Related Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and other issues, including challenging behaviours. The successful candidate will be HCPC registered as a Practitioner Psychologist.
The role involves delivering a comprehensive psychology service for adults and older adults in a remote and rural setting, as well as developing a new service through highly specialist diagnostic assessments. Partnership working with our population, patients, staff, and colleagues in Orkney Islands Council and the third sector is essential. We have close partnerships with Edinburgh University and Dundee and Stirling Universities.
The Candidate
This post requires a broad spectrum of clinical skills, as working in a remote and rural area limits options for onward referrals. The ideal candidate will balance generalist and specialist roles and utilize support from mainland colleagues in urban Tier 4 services when necessary.
Location, Working Pattern and Contract Duration
This post is based at The Balfour.
The successful candidate will work 37 hours per week.
The post is Permanent.
It is a condition of employment that you must reside within the UK for the duration of employment with NHS Orkney.
Benefits And Salary
NHS Scotland salaries are higher than those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The salary for this post is Band 8b £70,986 - £75,937. Residing on Orkney also grants a Distant Islands Allowance of £1,587 pro rata per year, adding extra value to your career with us.
NHS Orkney offers an attractive pension scheme, work-life balance policies, employee assistance programs, and discounts at local and national retailers.
Further Information
If you share our vision and are ready to be part of Team Orkney, we’d love to hear from you. Your rewarding career starts here!
Interviews are scheduled for 17 and 18 July 2025.
For more information, contact Suzanne Roos, Consultant Psychologist and Professional Lead for Psychological Therapies, via email. Please note Suzanne will be on annual leave from 16 May to 3 June 2025; queries during this period will be responded to after 3 June.
This position is subject to a PVG Scheme Record check.
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