At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multidisciplinary team to support children and families in educational settings.
- Company: Join a passionate and supportive team at North Somerset Educational Psychology Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team committed to compassion, curiosity, and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with diverse needs and shape SEND support.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised qualification in educational psychology and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 59846 - 68538 £ per year.
North Somerset Educational Psychology Service is a small, supportive and close team. We look out for each other and we're passionate about what we do. Our service values are compassion, curiosity and collaboration, and they shape how we work with children, families, schools and each other. We work across statutory, early intervention and traded work, and we’re playing a central part in North Somerset’s SEND reforms. Our Principal EP leads the Experts at Hand programme, with EPs helping to shape the model as it develops.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Educational Psychologist to join us on a permanent, full-time contract. You’ll be one of two Senior EPs working alongside the Principal EP, with a particular lead for practice and development. You’ll play an important part in growing the team, developing EP practice and helping us maintain high-quality statutory work.
In North Somerset, Experts at Hand has three tiers:
- Tier 1 is what every school provides for children with additional needs, backed by our SEND Provision Expectations and EP-developed training and resources.
- Tier 2 is the heart of the programme. Multidisciplinary locality teams of EPs, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, advisory teachers and parent experts work alongside school staff through consultation, coaching, supervision, modelling and training, and schools can access this support without a referral.
- Tier 3 offers individual assessment and formulation where Tier 2 support is in place and a question remains.
You’ll lead one of our three locality hubs, providing senior leadership for schools and partners in that area and EP professional leadership within the multidisciplinary team. Alongside this, you’ll have a key role in developing our EP workforce and practice across the service, including supporting recruitment, induction, supervision, CPD and trainee EP development. You’ll also keep a manageable amount of your own EP practice, including link-school, statutory and Experts at Hand work, so you remain close to the work you lead. Our Impact Analyst provides data, evaluation and administrative support, helping us understand and demonstrate the difference our work makes.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead one Experts at Hand locality hub and provide EP professional leadership within its multidisciplinary team
- Lead recruitment, induction, supervision and CPD across the EP team, including trainee EP placements
- Line manage a group of EPs and the Specialist Provision Support Team Leader
- Manage statutory work allocation, EHC needs assessment timelines and compliance
- Support the development of Tier 1 and the service’s post-16 offer
- Maintain your own EP practice and contribute to service planning, policy and evaluation
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact Guy Clayton, Principal Educational Psychologist.
This role is open to experienced EPs ready to step up and to current Senior EPs. We want to hear from educational psychologists who believe in inclusion, enjoy developing others and want to help build a new model of SEND support from the ground up.
We’re looking for the following skills and experience:
Essential criteria:
- A good honours degree in psychology (or equivalent recognised by the BPS), a recognised postgraduate qualification in educational psychology, and HCPC registration as a practitioner psychologist (educational)
- Experience of leadership within an educational psychology service, including supervision or supporting the professional development of other practitioners
- Experience of providing high-quality psychological services, including statutory work, to children, young people and families with diverse needs
- Strong knowledge of relevant education, SEND and safeguarding legislation, guidance and policy, alongside an understanding of the current direction of SEND reform.
- Commitment to consultation and systemic approaches that build the skill and confidence of school staff
- The ability to manage competing priorities, including statutory timelines, and make sound decisions under pressure
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of recruitment, induction or supervision of trainee EPs
- Experience of leading multidisciplinary or systemic work with schools
- Experience of using data and evidence to evaluate the impact of services
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Senior Educational Psychologist in England employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises the voices of children, young people, and families. With a strong commitment to employee development and growth opportunities, staff are empowered to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding practices while enjoying the benefits of a supportive community in a vibrant location. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and champions positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Educational Psychologist in England
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Educational Psychologist in England
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 North Somerset Council 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!
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How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with North Somerset Council, 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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Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and North Somerset Council will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
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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 North Somerset Council that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
