Job summaryWorking differently. Changing lives.The East Sussex Community MSK Persistent Pain Service hopes to transform how persistent pain is understood and supported.We believe people are experts in their own lives. Rather than taking control, we work alongside them to build understanding, confidence and the skills to live well despite ongoing symptoms. This is not a traditional outpatient pain service.We value curiosity, coaching, partnership and prevention.If you are excited by working differently, building something new and shaping the future of community persistent pain care, we would love to hear from you.We welcome applicants with experience in specialist assessment, formulation and intervention, including the delivery of pain management programmes for people living with persistent pain.Main duties of the jobThe post-holder will provide highly specialist psychological assessment, formulation and intervention for adults living with persistent pain within a multidisciplinary community persistent pain service.A significant part of the role involves delivering and co-facilitating evidence-based Pain Management Programmes, alongside individual psychological interventions that support self-management, improve function and enhance quality of life.The post-holder will work as an autonomous
practitioner within professional guidelines and organisational policies and
procedures. They will contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and treatment
planning, provide consultation to colleagues, support service development and
resilience, and participate in audit and continuous quality improvement
activities.
About usHere is a not-for-profit social enterprise, providing innovative healthcare to people within Sussex and beyond. We provide NHS commissioned healthcare including memory assessment and MSK services, alongside bespoke data analytics products and services. We work in partnership with a wide range of organisations to create and deliver outstanding personalised healthcare.Positive about disabilityWere committed to developing the careers of individuals with a disability. We will give full and fair consideration to all applicants. Applicants who confirm a disability that meet the essential criteria and evidence this within their application, will be interviewed.Positive about diversityHere value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively welcome applicants who identify as LGBTQ+, disabled, and people of the *Global Majority.*People who identify as Black Caribbean, Black African, South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern or Latin.DetailsDate posted23 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary
Depending on experience
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time,
Part-time,
Compressed hours
Reference numberB Job locationsThe substantive base for this post is currently under review and will be confirmed prior to appointment.The postholder will be required to work across clinical and community sites in East Sussex geography.East SussexBN22 9NQUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesAssessmentUndertake specialist person-centred
assessment of patients referred to the MSK Persistent Pain Service to identify
factors contributing to the pain and how this affects their life informed by
NICE guidance and clinical practice.Develop comprehensive
biopsychosocial formulations that draw on evidence-based approaches to consider
how psychological, physical, social and occupational factors have contributed
to and maintain difficulties. This will
include lifestyle and daily activities (including work and sleep disturbance),
physical and psychological wellbeing, stressful life events (including previous
or current physical or emotional trauma, current or past substance misuse,
social support and relationships and wider factors (housing, income, culture
and faith).Utilise appropriate
standardised psychometric and outcome measures, alongside clinical interview,
history and other relevant information, to inform assessment, formulation,
treatment planning and evaluation of outcomes.Explore current coping, skills,
strengths and support, including attitudes and understanding of treatment
options. Assess suitability for group-based and individual psychological
interventions.Develop and document
appropriate care and support plans, to support treatment planning (including
the management of flare ups)Undertake specialist
psychological triage and assessment of patients referred to the Community MSK Persistent
Pain Service, including contributing psychological expertise to
multidisciplinary assessment and decisions regarding suitability and
appropriateness for individual or group psychological intervention.Therapeutic interventionsDeliver evidence-based psychological interventions for people living
with persistent pain, including approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused approaches,
mindfulness-informed interventions and behavioural pain management approaches.Promote self-management and
rehabilitation principles, supporting patients to improve functioning and
quality of life despite ongoing symptoms.Support
patients to develop practical skills and confidence to manage persistent pain
and flare-ups, reduce fear and avoidance, and engage in meaningful activities
and valued life roles, including family, social, educational and occupational
activities.Manage highly complex and emotionally
challenging clinical presentations appropriately and safely.Pain Management ProgrammesLead and co-facilitate multidisciplinary Pain Management Programmes,
including the design, development and delivery of psychoeducational and
therapeutic group sessions.Contribute specialist psychological expertise to programme
development, evaluation of outcomes and review of patient experience.Adapt programmes to meet the needs of diverse populations and
individuals with protected characteristics and support the development of
digital and hybrid delivery models where appropriate.Multidisciplinary workingAct as an active member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing
to clinical discussions, MDT meetings and case reviews.Provide psychological consultation and guidance
to colleagues managing individuals with persistent pain, working
collaboratively across health and social care systems and supporting integrated
care pathways and stepped-care models.Risk management and safeguardingAssess and manage clinical risk in accordance with organisational
policies, identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.Escalate concerns regarding patient safety in line with procedures
and maintain accurate clinical records and risk documentation.Support continuous
quality improvement via logging and managing incidents on Incident Reporting
System.Escalate risks and concerns via appropriate Governance frameworksProfessional leadership, training and
supervisionProvide specialist psychological consultation regarding the
management of persistent pain and contribute to psychologically informed
practice across the multidisciplinary team.Support the development of staff skills through teaching, training,
supervision, mentorship and reflective practice, including assistant
psychologists, trainee psychologists or other staff where appropriate.Where appropriate and within professional
competence, contribute to the safe delegation of clinical and therapeutic
activities to appropriately trained staff, providing appropriate guidance and
oversight in accordance with organisational policy.Participate in regular clinical
supervision in accordance with HCPC and professional standards, and provide
placement supervision where appropriately qualifiedService development and auditContribute to service
evaluation, audit, outcome measurement and quality improvement initiatives,
supporting the development of innovative psychological pathways within
persistent pain services.Contribute to policy and pathway development, support implementation
of national guidance and best practice, maintain awareness of current evidence
relating to persistent pain, and disseminate learning within the service.Professional responsibilitiesWork within HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and in
accordance with British Psychological Society standards and professional codes
of practice.Maintain registration as a Practitioner Psychologist, maintain
continued professional development and evidence of reflective practice, and
ensure practice is evidence-based and informed by current research.
Job description
Job responsibilitiesClinical ResponsibilitiesAssessmentUndertake specialist person-centred
assessment of patients referred to the MSK Persistent Pain Service to identify
factors contributing to the pain and how this affects their life informed by
NICE guidance and clinical practice.Develop comprehensive
biopsychosocial formulations that draw on evidence-based approaches to consider
how psychological, physical, social and occupational factors have contributed
to and maintain difficulties. This will
include lifestyle and daily activities (including work and sleep disturbance),
physical and psychological wellbeing, stressful life events (including previous
or current physical or emotional trauma, current or past substance misuse,
social support and relationships and wider factors (housing, income, culture
and faith).Utilise appropriate
standardised psychometric and outcome measures, alongside clinical interview,
history and other relevant information, to inform assessment, formulation,
treatment planning and evaluation of outcomes.Explore current coping, skills,
strengths and support, including attitudes and understanding of treatment
options. Assess suitability for group-based and individual psychological
interventions.Develop and document
appropriate care and support plans, to support treatment planning (including
the management of flare ups)Undertake specialist
psychological triage and assessment of patients referred to the Community MSK Persistent
Pain Service, including contributing psychological expertise to
multidisciplinary assessment and decisions regarding suitability and
appropriateness for individual or group psychological intervention.Therapeutic interventionsDeliver evidence-based psychological interventions for people living
with persistent pain, including approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused approaches,
mindfulness-informed interventions and behavioural pain management approaches.Promote self-management and
rehabilitation principles, supporting patients to improve functioning and
quality of life despite ongoing symptoms.Support
patients to develop practical skills and confidence to manage persistent pain
and flare-ups, reduce fear and avoidance, and engage in meaningful activities
and valued life roles, including family, social, educational and occupational
activities.Manage highly complex and emotionally
challenging clinical presentations appropriately and safely.Pain Management ProgrammesLead and co-facilitate multidisciplinary Pain Management Programmes,
including the design, development and delivery of psychoeducational and
therapeutic group sessions.Contribute specialist psychological expertise to programme
development, evaluation of outcomes and review of patient experience.Adapt programmes to meet the needs of diverse populations and
individuals with protected characteristics and support the development of
digital and hybrid delivery models where appropriate.Multidisciplinary workingAct as an active member of the multidisciplinary team, contributing
to clinical discussions, MDT meetings and case reviews.Provide psychological consultation and guidance
to colleagues managing individuals with persistent pain, working
collaboratively across health and social care systems and supporting integrated
care pathways and stepped-care models.Risk management and safeguardingAssess and manage clinical risk in accordance with organisational
policies, identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.Escalate concerns regarding patient safety in line with procedures
and maintain accurate clinical records and risk documentation.Support continuous
quality improvement via logging and managing incidents on Incident Reporting
System.Escalate risks and concerns via appropriate Governance frameworksProfessional leadership, training and
supervisionProvide specialist psychological consultation regarding the
management of persistent pain and contribute to psychologically informed
practice across the multidisciplinary team.Support the development of staff skills through teaching, training,
supervision, mentorship and reflective practice, including assistant
psychologists, trainee psychologists or other staff where appropriate.Where appropriate and within professional
competence, contribute to the safe delegation of clinical and therapeutic
activities to appropriately trained staff, providing appropriate guidance and
oversight in accordance with organisational policy.Participate in regular clinical
supervision in accordance with HCPC and professional standards, and provide
placement supervision where appropriately qualifiedService development and auditContribute to service
evaluation, audit, outcome measurement and quality improvement initiatives,
supporting the development of innovative psychological pathways within
persistent pain services.Contribute to policy and pathway development, support implementation
of national guidance and best practice, maintain awareness of current evidence
relating to persistent pain, and disseminate learning within the service.Professional responsibilitiesWork within HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics and in
accordance with British Psychological Society standards and professional codes
of practice.Maintain registration as a Practitioner Psychologist, maintain
continued professional development and evidence of reflective practice, and
ensure practice is evidence-based and informed by current research.Person Specification
Knowledge
EssentialKnowledge of current evidence and best practice in persistent pain management; the biopsychosocial model of pain; CBT, ACT and behavioural approaches relevant to pain; clinical governance and safeguarding frameworks; equality, diversity and inclusion principles; and risk assessment and risk management.DesirableKnowledge of national pain management guidance, rehabilitation and vocational principles in persistent pain, and outcome measurement within pain services.Knowledge and understanding of commonly prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, common mental health difficulties and pain, including awareness of the interaction between psychological, physical and pharmacological approaches to persistent pain management.
Skills
EssentialHighly developed psychological assessment and formulation skills; excellent written and verbal communication; ability to deliver complex psychological interventions; strong group facilitation skills; ability to adapt interventions to meet diverse patient needs; ability to manage complexity and uncertainty; ability to work independently while contributing effectively to MDT working; strong organisational and time management skills; and competence in clinical record keeping and digital systems.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mental health, primary care, community and voluntary sector services to support appropriate onward referral and integrated care.DesirableExperience of delivering virtual therapies and group programmes; skills in service evaluation and outcome analysis.
Qualifications
EssentialPostgraduate professional qualification in Clinical, Counselling or Health Psychology, or equivalent recognised professional training, with eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner PsychologistCurrent HCPC registration as a Practitioner PsychologistDesirableEligibility for Chartered Status with the British Psychological Society.Post-qualification training in ACT, CBT or other evidence-based approaches relevant to persistent pain.Additional training in group facilitation.
Experience
EssentialPost-qualification experience working as a practitioner psychologist, preferably within physical health, persistent pain, long-term conditions or a related setting.DesirableExperience of using evidence-based psychological approaches, including CBT and/or ACT, with adults experiencing common mental health difficulties alongside long-term physical health conditionsExperience working or training within persistent pain services, pain management programmes, long-term conditions and physical health services; quality improvement, audit or service development; and providing consultation and training to staff.
Personal Attributes
EssentialCompassionate and person-centred approach; commitment to multidisciplinary working; commitment to professional development and reflective practice; resilience and ability to manage emotionally demanding work; flexible and innovative approach to service delivery; and ability to act as a positive role model within the team.Demonstrates an appreciation of the value of lived experience in shaping services and improving outcomes for patients, families and carers.Demonstrates a commitment to compassionate, inclusive and person-centred care, valuing lived experience, cultural diversity and equity, and actively seeking to adapt their practice to meet the diverse needs of patients, families, carers and communities.
Person Specification
Knowledge
EssentialKnowledge of current evidence and best practice in persistent pain management; the biopsychosocial model of pain; CBT, ACT and behavioural approaches relevant to pain; clinical governance and safeguarding frameworks; equality, diversity and inclusion principles; and risk assessment and risk management.DesirableKnowledge of national pain management guidance, rehabilitation and vocational principles in persistent pain, and outcome measurement within pain services.Knowledge and understanding of commonly prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, common mental health difficulties and pain, including awareness of the interaction between psychological, physical and pharmacological approaches to persistent pain management.
Skills
EssentialHighly developed psychological assessment and formulation skills; excellent written and verbal communication; ability to deliver complex psychological interventions; strong group facilitation skills; ability to adapt interventions to meet diverse patient needs; ability to manage complexity and uncertainty; ability to work independently while contributing effectively to MDT working; strong organisational and time management skills; and competence in clinical record keeping and digital systems.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mental health, primary care, community and voluntary sector services to support appropriate onward referral and integrated care.DesirableExperience of delivering virtual therapies and group programmes; skills in service evaluation and outcome analysis.
Qualifications
EssentialPostgraduate professional qualification in Clinical, Counselling or Health Psychology, or equivalent recognised professional training, with eligibility for registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Practitioner PsychologistCurrent HCPC registration as a Practitioner PsychologistDesirableEligibility for Chartered Status with the British Psychological Society.Post-qualification training in ACT, CBT or other evidence-based approaches relevant to persistent pain.Additional training in group facilitation.
Experience
EssentialPost-qualification experience working as a practitioner psychologist, preferably within physical health, persistent pain, long-term conditions or a related setting.DesirableExperience of using evidence-based psychological approaches, including CBT and/or ACT, with adults experiencing common mental health difficulties alongside long-term physical health conditionsExperience working or training within persistent pain services, pain management programmes, long-term conditions and physical health services; quality improvement, audit or service development; and providing consultation and training to staff.
Personal Attributes
EssentialCompassionate and person-centred approach; commitment to multidisciplinary working; commitment to professional development and reflective practice; resilience and ability to manage emotionally demanding work; flexible and innovative approach to service delivery; and ability to act as a positive role model within the team.Demonstrates an appreciation of the value of lived experience in shaping services and improving outcomes for patients, families and carers.Demonstrates a commitment to compassionate, inclusive and person-centred care, valuing lived experience, cultural diversity and equity, and actively seeking to adapt their practice to meet the diverse needs of patients, families, carers and communities.Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameCare Unbound Ltd t/a HereAddressThe substantive base for this post is currently under review and will be confirmed prior to appointment.The postholder will be required to work across clinical and community sites in East Sussex geography.East SussexBN22 9NQUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameCare Unbound Ltd t/a HereAddressThe substantive base for this post is currently under review and will be confirmed prior to appointment.The postholder will be required to work across clinical and community sites in East Sussex geography.East SussexBN22 9NQUnited KingdomEmployer's website
Practitioner Psychologist in Brighton employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
