Clinical Psychologist
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Negotiable |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | East Sussex, BN22 9NQ |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 3 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 16 Sept 2026 |
Summary
Clinical Responsibilities Assessment Undertake 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 interventions Deliver 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 Programmes Lead 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 working Act 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 safeguarding Assess 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 supervision Provide 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 audit Contribute 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 responsibilities Work 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.