Job Description

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

Application Deadline: 27 November 2026

Department: Medical and Psychiatry

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Priory Hospital Burgess Hill

Compensation: £35,000 / year

Description

Priory Hospital, Burgess Hill

Salary £35,000

Full time/ 37.5 Hours

Set in attractive grounds in a rural setting, on the edge of the South Downs National Park, Priory Hospital Burgess Hill is a purpose-built building with good links to the local community. We offer acute mental health support for adult males, as well as psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) support for adult males.

Priory’s acute and PICU services aim to allow more people to be treated closer to home and we support the NHS to repatriate out-of-area patients back to local areas.

Priory Hospital Burgess Hill (PHBH) is rated “Good” across all CQC domains. It has a full MDT and you will be involved in MDT reviews, CPAs and CETRs. PHBH currently has a male acute, male PICU and two “Bespoke Therapeutic Placements” (aka BTPs). The PBS Practitioner role will be focused on supporting the two patients residing in the BTPs to help review and implement PBS plans, both within the inpatient setting but also having consideration for future community placements. At times, the acute and PICU teams may also require support to review / develop PBS plans for a patient on their wards. Local support will be provided by the psychology team; however, line management will be held by the Regional Lead for PBS.

What you'll be doing

You will be part of a compassionate team that is committed to supporting people's wellbeing. We take a personalised approach, using proven therapies to help people move forward with confidence and build a healthier, more fulfilling future.

• Lead the development, implementation and regular review of individualised Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans, ensuring strategies are tailored to patients' needs, abilities and personal goals.
• Undertake detailed functional behaviour assessments, identifying triggers, patterns and underlying factors contributing to behaviours that challenge, and develop proactive, evidence-based interventions.
• Work closely with the multidisciplinary team, including nurses, therapists, psychologists and support workers, to ensure consistent approaches that promote positive patient outcomes, emotional regulation and independence.
• Provide specialist advice, training and ongoing coaching to staff, supporting them to understand behavioural needs, implement effective de-escalation techniques and deliver safe, compassionate, person-centred care.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PBS interventions, analysing behavioural data, reviewing incidents and recommending improvements to reduce restrictive practices, enhance patient wellbeing and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.

You can find additional information in the attached job description.

What you'll bring to the role

Essential for the role

You will have experience working with individuals with complex mental health needs and behaviours that challenge, alongside a good understanding of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles. You will be confident undertaking functional behaviour assessments, identifying triggers and developing personalised support plans that promote positive outcomes. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues to implement consistent, person-centred approaches. A compassionate and patient-focused attitude is essential, alongside a commitment to promoting dignity, independence, emotional wellbeing and reducing restrictive practices.

The following experience would be beneficial

Previous experience working as a PBS Practitioner or within a specialist behavioural support role would be advantageous. Experience within a mental health hospital, inpatient setting or complex care environment would also be beneficial. You will ideally have knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive risk management and de-escalation techniques, as well as experience providing training, coaching and guidance to clinical and care teams. A relevant qualification or additional training in Positive Behaviour Support, Applied Behaviour Analysis, Psychology or a related discipline would be desirable.

What we will give you in return

We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations. We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.

• Enhanced maternity pay
• Birthday Holiday - Your Birthday as an extra days annual leave
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and private healthcare
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.