At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Educational Psychology Service and support children with special educational needs.
- Company: Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with a commitment to safeguarding and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on children's lives while shaping inclusive practices across the city.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and HCPC registration required.
The predicted salary is between 72999 - 81425 € per year.
Your New Organisation
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.
Your new role
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.
What you’ll be doing
- You will lead and manage the Educational Psychology Service, setting a clear vision and ensuring the service responds effectively to local priorities and statutory responsibilities.
- Working closely with schools, early years settings, health colleagues and partner agencies, you will champion collaborative working and promote inclusive, evidence-based interventions that improve outcomes for children and young people.
- You will 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.
- Alongside this, you will be responsible for quality assurance, ensuring the service operates to the highest professional and ethical standards.
- Safeguarding will be integral to your role, and you will 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.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced Senior Educational Psychologist with a strong track record of leadership and people management. You will bring confidence in leading, supervising and developing staff, alongside experience of partnership working and contributing to multi-professional casework and strategic projects. You will be an excellent communicator, able to influence, collaborate and build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. A strong commitment to inclusion, continuous improvement and evidence-informed practice will be central to your approach.
You will hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will also have a deep understanding of SEND legislation, statutory processes, safeguarding responsibilities and the strategic frameworks that support effective service delivery.
What you’ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
Salary is Soulbury Scale B Points 12-15 (£72,999 - £77,184) with access to up to 3 additional SPA points (£78,591 - £81,425).
Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103866 - 100801 - Principal Educational Psychologist employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong focus on community impact and employee well-being. With flexible working practices, a commitment to professional development, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The council's diverse range of services and ongoing investment in regeneration projects provide unique opportunities for growth and innovation in the field of educational psychology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103866 - 100801 - Principal Educational Psychologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the educational psychology field, especially those who might have insights into Southend on Sea City Council. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council’s recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t just recite rehearsed answers—be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103866 - 100801 - Principal Educational Psychologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Educational Psychologist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading the Educational Psychology Service, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusion:We value a strong commitment to inclusion and evidence-informed practice. Use your application to illustrate how you've championed these principles in your previous roles, especially in relation to SEND.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation and the strategic frameworks that support effective service delivery. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in supervising and developing staff, as well as your ability to influence and collaborate with various stakeholders. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this position involves working closely with schools, health colleagues, and partner agencies, be ready to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Share specific instances where your teamwork has led to successful outcomes for children and young people.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ethical decision-making, especially regarding safeguarding practices. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage complex cases or navigate challenging situations, and be prepared to explain your thought process and actions.
