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- Tasks: Support youth in the justice system with expert psychological insights and interventions.
- Company: Essex County Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.
- Qualifications: BPS-recognised Psychology degree, Doctorate in Educational Psychology, and HCPC registration.
- Other info: Join a transformative programme focused on early intervention and impactful support.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
Soulbury Scale B from 3 to 5 plus SPA
Location: Harlow
Closing Date: 11th January 2026
Please note salary will pay based on the Soulbury Pay B Scale (plus SPA) with your entry level to the role determining salary. We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time opportunities.
We are recruiting for a fixed term / secondment opportunity for a period of 12 months. This role is based in the West Quadrant (Harlow and surrounding areas) and specialist area is Youth Justice.
Essex County Council are looking for dedicated Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists (SSEPs) to join our quadrant-led teams. This role combines statutory and early intervention work along with strategic development in a specialist area, contributing to innovative practice and improved outcomes for children and young people.
While role specific SSEP responsibilities are service wide, all SSEPs are based within one of our four quadrants:
- North - Colchester and surrounding areas
- Mid - Chelmsford and surrounding areas
- West - Harlow and surrounding areas
- South - Basildon and surrounding areas
What We Offer:
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunities to lead and shape specialist practice across Essex
- Dedicated time for strategic work in your area of expertise
- Ongoing professional development and supervision
Educational Psychology in Essex
EPs are part of a wider transformation programme aimed at improving outcomes and life experiences for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The vision is to build a system that identifies and responds to needs earlier, offering impactful support without over-reliance on statutory services. Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists (SSEPs) play a key role in this work, contributing to strategic development, complex casework, and the evolution of practice and policy across the county.
As a SSEP, you will dedicate 20% of your time to your specialist area, applying expert psychological knowledge to inform the development of strategic initiatives and interventions. The remaining 80% of your time will involve providing:
- Expert consultation and advice to colleagues, across the range of our SEND and Education teams
- Professional supervision and support for EP colleagues, Field supervision for Trainee EPs, and operational supervision to Assistant EPs through casework, training, and development
- Leadership and knowledge towards inclusive practice through intervention, training, and project work
- Contributions to complex casework and Tribunal work.
- Up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD that is impactful to the EPS and service users.
Specialist Areas
- Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH): Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience for children and young people with SEMH needs including leading strategic developments and providing psychological support during critical incidents in schools and settings.
- Youth Justice: Supporting children and young people who have experienced adversity or present with behavioural vulnerabilities, drawing on psychological expertise to inform assessment, intervention, and strategic work within the Youth Justice system.
- Autism: Improving outcomes for autistic children and young people through inclusive, evidence-based practice by focusing on enhancing understanding, access to support, and strategic development across services.
- Cognition and Learning: Aiming to enhance learning outcomes for children and young people with cognitive and learning needs by applying psychological knowledge to develop effective strategies, including the use of assistive technologies.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential
- BPS-recognised Psychology degree and Doctorate in Educational Psychology
- HCPC registration and eligibility for Graduate Basis with the BPS
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with integrity and reliability
- Extensive experience applying educational psychology principles and practice
- Evidence of recent CPD and expert knowledge in relevant areas
- Understanding of children’s services and collaborative, multi-agency working
- Experience in planning, performance frameworks, and delivering successful projects or research
- Detailed knowledge of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act (2010)
Desirable
- Experience in conducting research and contributing to the evidence base
- Ability to provide leadership and support to colleagues and service members
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, integrity, and reliability.
With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist – Youth Justice in Harlow employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist – Youth Justice in Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the Youth Justice field on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in educational psychology and youth justice. We recommend jotting down key points about how your experience aligns with the role, so you can impress the interviewers with your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work or case studies to the interview. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles, especially in areas like SEMH or Autism.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist – Youth Justice in Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge! Include specific examples of your experience in educational psychology, especially in areas like Youth Justice or SEMH. We want to see how you can contribute to our innovative practice.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Share your passion for working with children and young people, and why you’re excited about this opportunity with us at Essex County Council.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and research in educational psychology, especially related to Youth Justice. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act. This will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your skills in multi-agency collaboration and strategic development. Think about times when you've successfully implemented evidence-based interventions or led training sessions. These stories will help demonstrate your expertise and leadership potential.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the strategic direction of the Youth Justice system within Essex. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their collaborative environment. Share your passion for supporting children and young people, and how your values align with their mission.
