At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct assessments and provide psychological advice for children with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a supportive Local Authority Educational Psychology Service.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and meaningful impact on children's lives.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and 2+ years of experience required.
Locum Educational Psychologist
Location: Shute End / Hybrid Working
Service: Children’s Services – Educational Psychology Service
Contract: Initially 6 – 8 months
Rate: Daily Rate
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Locum Educational Psychologist to join the Educational Psychology Service within Children’s Services. The successful candidate will support the Local Authority in meeting its statutory SEND responsibilities by completing high-quality Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) for children and young people. This role is focused on providing timely, evidence-based psychological advice to support decisions around special educational provision and ensure children and young people with SEND receive the appropriate support to thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Complete allocated Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) in line with statutory timescales.
- Carry out face-to-face assessments with children and young people where appropriate, including school and home visits.
- Produce clear, concise and outcome-focused Educational Psychology reports using evidence-informed practice.
- Ensure assessments consider the child or young person’s age, abilities and strengths, culture and background, educational needs and barriers to learning.
- Complete written EHCNA advice within five weeks of the assessment being commissioned.
- Manage an independent caseload of statutory assessments while meeting agreed deadlines.
- Liaise with parents/carers, schools, SENCOs, education professionals, health colleagues and other relevant services to gather assessment information.
- Submit completed reports for internal quality assurance before statutory submission deadlines.
- Contribute to supporting the wider Educational Psychology Service in delivering effective SEND provision.
Essential Requirements
- Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology.
- Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience as a practising Educational Psychologist.
- Experience completing statutory EHC Needs Assessments (EHCNAs) and providing psychological advice for EHCP processes.
- Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, assessment processes and evidence-based practice.
- Ability to produce high-quality analytical reports with clear recommendations and outcomes.
- Experience managing a caseload independently and working to strict deadlines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with families and professionals.
- Good IT skills and experience producing professional reports.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience working within a Local Authority Educational Psychology Service.
- Experience working with schools, children’s services and multi-agency SEND teams.
Working Arrangements
This is a hybrid role involving remote/home working, office-based working, school visits, and home visits where required.
The post holder must have:
- A clean driving licence
- Access to a vehicle for work purposes
DBS Requirement
This role requires an Enhanced DBS check for working with children.
About the Service
The Educational Psychology Service supports the Local Authority in fulfilling its statutory duties for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The service works with children, families, schools and partner agencies to identify needs, remove barriers to learning and improve outcomes.
Educational Psychologist – AR in Wokingham employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Educational Psychologist – AR in Wokingham
✨Get Involved with Psychology Networks
Join local psychology groups or online forums to connect with professionals and get the inside scoop on temporary opportunities. Engaging in these communities can lead to recommendations that might not be advertised anywhere else!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Voluntary Work
Consider taking on voluntary roles in mental health charities or community programmes. This not only builds your experience but also helps you make valuable connections that could lead to temporary positions.
✨Keep Your Applications Customised and Fresh
Given the temporary nature of the roles, be super quick with your applications. Tailor your cover letter to highlight your adaptability and readiness for immediate start dates, and don't hesitate to apply through our website for the best chances!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs or workshops specifically aimed at psychology students and graduates. These events are perfect for networking and discovering temporary roles directly with employers—plus you can often leave a lasting impression in-person!
We think you need these skills to ace Educational Psychologist – AR in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Academic Background:In the psychology field, highlighting your academic achievements is crucial. Make sure your CV emphasises your relevant coursework, grades, and any special projects or research you've undertaken in psychology. We want to see how your studies have prepared you for the role at Carrington Blake Recruitment.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine. Focus on your passion for psychology and how this temporary role fits into your career goals. Discuss any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for Educational Psychologist – AR at Carrington Blake Recruitment and tie it back to your motivation for applying.
Mention Any Relevant Experience:Whether it’s internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs, relevant experience can set you apart. Highlight any practical applications of psychology you've been involved with, such as counselling, research assistance, or community outreach. It's all about demonstrating your hands-on understanding of the field!
Stay Flexible and Open-Minded:Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your adaptability in your cover letter. Let Carrington Blake Recruitment know that you're ready to jump in and learn, and that you can handle quick changes in tasks. We want to see how you'll thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
In psychology, your ability to connect with others is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated empathy and understanding in past roles or academic projects. Prepare a couple of real-life examples from your studies or any volunteer work that showcase your strength in this area.
✨Understand the Role’s Context
A temporary position in psychology may involve specific populations or clinical settings. Familiarise yourself with any special considerations or methodologies that apply to the context of the job at Carrington Blake Recruitment. This could include particular therapeutic approaches or assessment tools - knowing these can set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet and apply psychological principles in real-world scenarios. Practise how you would approach a hypothetical situation, perhaps dealing with a distressed client or assessing their needs. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities effectively.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Temporary roles often require us to adapt quickly to new environments and challenges. Be sure to emphasise your ability to step into various roles or tasks as needed. Share examples that show how you've thrived in changing situations or learned new skills rapidly.
