At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a growing team of Educational Psychologists while driving strategic change.
- Company: Join Walsall Council's dynamic Educational Psychology Service, committed to inclusion and innovative practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development opportunities, and free parking at our central office.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Educational Psychologist registered with the HCPC, with experience in supervision.
- Other info: A full clean UK driving license is required; informal discussions available with current team members.
The predicted salary is between 59807 - 68086 £ per year.
Senior Educational Psychologist. Ref: CH02325
Salary: £59,807- £68,086 per annum (Scale B points 4-10; including up to 3 SPA points)
Contract: Full time, permanent
Walsall Council is continuing to grow and invest in its Educational Psychology Service!
We are a creative and supportive service looking to recruit a further Senior Educational Psychologist to join us to: set and drive strategic change; lead and manage our growing team; explore new ways of working driven by creative applications of psychology; and to support the exciting development of our service.
Our current priorities include embedding a service model of consultation; supporting settings with early intervention, the graduated approach, and inclusion; engaging actively with parents and families; and delivering LA commissioned projects linked to its strategic aims.
About us
Walsall EPS is situated within the Access and Inclusion Service and plays a key role in the delivery of the SEND and Inclusion vision and strategy. The service has strong relationships with teams across Children’s Services including the Virtual School and Youth Justice, as well as with Health and Social Care. Walsall EPS is commissioned to deliver statutory work and core work (critical incident support and LA projects) and a range of traded psychological services to schools and settings, where demand for the service remains high.
The EPS is leading on a number of initiatives including, ELSA, SCERTs, Sandwell Wellbeing Charter Mark and EBSA guidance and training, for example. We are also developing LA commissioned projects focused on embedding inclusive practice, supporting primary to secondary transitions, and ensuring successful re-integrations following an exclusion. We would welcome applicants who can support developments in these areas, as well as those who would like to lead new initiatives and develop new commissions with social care in relation to families work. Walsall Council recognises the value of Educational Psychology at an operational and strategic level, and we are seeking to increase our capacity to meet growing demand.
The successful candidate will join the PEP and 2 existing Senior EPs to support our wider team of specialist seniors, main-grade and assistant psychologists and TEPs.
Areas of specialism can be agreed with the PEP, but we would be interested in hearing from applicants who wish to lead in SEMH, Cognition and Learning, Autism and Social Interaction, Inclusion, and Communities and Families.
What we can offer you
Walsall EPS is a dynamic service with lots of exciting opportunities and advantages, including:
- protected time to develop areas of specialism and project work
- the opportunity for all Educational Psychologists to contribute to service development initiatives and central training
- access to a range of professional development activities, including a programme of team CPD/development days
- a centrally based service with a strong team identity and regular opportunities for peer supervision and support
- free parking and a central office base
- access to excellent admin and IT support
- a flexi-time system and agile working
- a commitment to supporting work-life balance via transparent allocation and workflow systems and a cap on statutory case work
We would be interested in hearing from qualified EPs who want to develop skills in leadership and management and have some experience of supervising, and in leading or supporting project work in their current roles.
All applicants must hold the relevant professional qualification and be registered with the HCPC.
For an informal discussion please contact Sam Samra, Principal Educational Psychologist (sam.samra@walsall.gov.uk), Cherelle McDonald, Senior EP (cherelle.mcdonald@walsall.gov.uk) or Dipak Choudhury, Senior EP (dipak.choudhury@walsall.gov.uk)
A full clean UK driving license is required for this role.
View Job Description & Employee Specification
Closing date: 1 st August 2025
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. Please see our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.
This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Educational Psychologist - Ref: CH02325 employer: Walsall Council
Contact Detail:
Walsall Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Educational Psychologist - Ref: CH02325
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Walsall Council's Educational Psychology Service and its current initiatives. Understanding their strategic aims, such as the focus on SEMH and inclusion, will help you tailor your discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or reach out to the contacts listed in the job description. Engaging in informal discussions can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and management experience in detail. Since the role involves leading a team and driving strategic change, showcasing relevant examples from your past roles will demonstrate your capability for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your commitment to professional development and how it aligns with the service's goals. Mention any specific training or projects you've undertaken that relate to the areas of specialism they are interested in, such as Autism or Inclusion.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Educational Psychologist - Ref: CH02325
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Educational Psychologist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their priorities, such as strategic change and early intervention.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: When entering your supporting information, be specific about how your skills and experiences meet the criteria outlined in the employee specification. Use examples from your previous roles to demonstrate your capabilities in areas like SEMH, Cognition and Learning, and inclusion.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly state your professional qualifications and HCPC registration in your application. This is crucial for meeting the basic eligibility requirements for the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions provided. Do not include a CV, and make sure to complete all sections of the application form, especially work history and qualifications, to avoid being disqualified from the shortlist.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Senior Educational Psychologist. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their priorities, such as supporting early intervention and engaging with families.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading and managing a team, be ready to provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss any projects you've led or initiatives you've developed, particularly in areas like SEMH or inclusion.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life situations. Think of scenarios where you've successfully implemented strategies or interventions, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don't hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the council's vision for the Educational Psychology Service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.