At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Educational Psychology Service to support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with diverse career opportunities and a focus on community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 72999 - 77184 £ per year.
Are you ready to make a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Southend on Sea? Southend on Sea City Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Educational Psychologist to lead our Educational Psychology Service. This is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of the service, influence inclusive practice across the city and play a central role in supporting children, families and professionals.
As Principal Educational Psychologist, you will provide strong strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of high-quality psychological advice and support to schools, settings and partners. You will have the autonomy to grow and develop the service, nurture talent within your team and embed a culture of reflection, learning and continuous improvement.
Our Principal Educational Psychologist plays a strategic, system-wide role in shaping and delivering SEND reform, influencing policy, practice, and outcomes across education, health, and care systems beyond individual assessments, and acting as a key local driver by integrating leadership, psychological expertise, and system design to strengthen inclusive and sustainable practice.
Main duties of the job:
- Lead and manage the Educational Psychology Service, setting a clear vision and ensuring the service responds effectively to local priorities and statutory responsibilities.
- Work closely with schools, early years settings, health colleagues and partner agencies, championing collaborative working and promoting inclusive, evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Oversee the delivery of statutory psychological advice in line with the SEND Code of Practice (0-25 years), including complex casework and representation at SEN Tribunals where required.
- Be responsible for quality assurance, ensuring the service operates to the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Actively promote the welfare and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring robust risk management and safeguarding practices are embedded across the service.
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance.
Details:
- Date posted: 03 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £72,999 to £77,184 a year (Up to 3 additional SPA points £78,591 - £81,425)
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: F0033-26-0021
- Job locations: Southend-on-sea City Council, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-sea, SS1 9SB, United Kingdom
Person Specification:
- Qualifications: You will hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Eligibility for Chartered Status.
- Desirable: Associate Fellowship of the BPS (optional).
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Principal Educational Psychologist in Campbeltown employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Educational Psychologist in Campbeltown
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We think you need these skills to ace Principal Educational Psychologist in Campbeltown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
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Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at National health service connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with National health service, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
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Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
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Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows National health service that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
