Educational Psychologist

About us At Hillingdon our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do! We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon. With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering a service that improves the lives of all our residents. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities.

Hillingdon Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is a dynamic, innovative and high quality service which applies psychology and evidence-based practice (grounded in theory and research) to bring about change in the lives of children and young people (0 – 25 years of age). The EPS in Hillingdon values early intervention and our Traded commitment with over 72% of all schools in Hillingdon proves the professional value our team brings to the settings. EPS has strong links with other services: Virtual School, School Improvement (Refugee Project), Sensory Advisory Services (SEMH role), as well as Health colleagues: Children’s Integrated Therapy Service (CITS), CAMHS (SEMH Pathway), CDC. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional EPS, evidenced by over 98% of EHC Needs Assessments being completed within 6 weeks.

What does an Educational Psychologist do at Hillingdon? As an Education Psychologist, you’ll be collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders including schools, early years providers, colleges, and various partners within an educational setting. Working in partnership, you will seek to foster, integrate, and uphold positive change, ensuring every child and young person has the opportunity to thrive as effective learners, confident individuals, and engaged contributors to society. Engaging with educational staff, parents, pupils and the agencies to address concerns and facilitate meaningful change, the role seeks to promote psychological wellbeing, inclusion, and elevated standards across the spectrum of age and abilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing support to schools in meeting the needs of all pupils, contributing to raising pupil achievement.
• Offering advice to parents, carers, and other agencies regarding children’s development and other needs as appropriate.
• Ensuring the effective delivery of the EPS contributions to meet statutory responsibilities, adhering to 6 week deadlines for EHC Needs Assessments.
• Delivering a comprehensive range of EP services to schools, resourced provision, children and families.
• Conducting regular visits to allocating schools, advising and supporting them within the framework of the Code of Practice (Children and Families Bill 2013) for the identification, planning and management of pupils with special educational needs.

About you We’re looking for an Education Psychologist with a solid understanding of children and young people’s needs, evidencing examples of effective service delivery models. Displaying a positive ‘can do’ approach, you’ll be able to demonstrate your commitment to improving work practices and processes, and take responsibility for delivering results, whilst adapting to the changing demands across the service.

To be considered for the role you must detail the following within your application:

• British Psychological Society accreditation, or Doctorate professional qualification as an Educational Psychologist.
• Experience of planning and providing services to children and young people in educational care settings, and support of their parents and carers.
• Knowledge of the Children & Families Act, Equalities Act, SEND Code of Practice.

What we offer We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• The Educational Psychologist Service introduced a £2000 additional payment for 2024. This will be paid as a supplement to the current salary scales.
• Recognition of SPA points you already hold, and encouragement and support to reach additional SPA points.
• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – You will receive a minimum of 26 days annual leave each year, in addition to bank holidays. This entitlement increases to a maximum 37 days after 10 years of service.
• Health & Wellbeing – Hillingdon Sport Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Cycle Purchase Scheme – Promote eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme.
• Discount on Golf Fees – Enjoy up to 30% discounts on green fees at council owned golf courses.
• Financial Benefits – Secure your future with access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Eye Care – We contribute towards eye tests and lenses for Display Screen Equipment.
• Mental Health Support – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.
• Support and Counselling Services – Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.

Equity, Diversity and Equality Statement At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences of all individuals, and we believe that our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. We recognise the value of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. Join us in building a workplace where diversity is not only embraced but also celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Additional Information We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Applicants should be aware that the post will only be offered to successful candidates subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances. Due to an expected high volume of applications, we could close this role early, we therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.