At a Glance
- Tasks: Support educational psychologists in improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: West Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to inclusion and professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive training, and excellent supervision.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology and experience working with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36894 - 40962 £ per year.
We are seeking applications for our assistant educational psychologist post from creative and innovative applicants who hold a good degree in psychology and can demonstrate successful experience of working with children and young people, preferably within an educational setting. This role provides opportunity to gain valuable experience of educational psychology practice and supports professional development. Our assistant EPs contribute to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.
In West Northamptonshire assistants support the educational psychologists in the delivery of core and traded services. This will include early intervention work in schools, early years, and other settings, to support others to overcome barriers to learning and to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. This includes work with individuals and small groups, and with staff and parents/carers. Assistants will gain experience of working with children and young people with a range of special educational needs from early years through to Post 16.
We have extensive links with training universities, with members of our EP team working as tutors on EP training courses - along with other links to local universities.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be joining a team of qualified EPs, trainees and assistant psychologists who are committed to inclusion and improving the life chances of children and young people through the creative application of psychology. We offer a varied and comprehensive induction and CPD programme, and excellent supervision. This includes access to peer supervision from a team of assistant EPs.
Working under the supervision of qualified educational psychologists, the Assistant EP role includes:
- A universal offer to all schools with a comprehensive training menu and opportunities for facilitating and supporting group work.
- Supporting delivery of the EPS traded, early intervention offer. This can include supporting EPs with assessments, delivering direct work to children and young people (including longer-term therapeutic interventions), supporting the implementation of PATHS and adult circles, and delivering bespoke training and coaching sessions.
- Supporting EPs to provide Psychological Advice for children undergoing an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment.
Assistants also have the opportunity to be involved with various early intervention initiatives including the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme, the Mediating Learning Support Approach (MeLSA), the Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TAMHS) programme, and the Emotionally Based School Avoidance schools (EBSA) initiative. You will also have the opportunity to engage in research and evaluation for the service.
We look forward to hearing from applicants who have:
- An interest in developing innovative and creative practice.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- A commitment to improving the life chances of others, and particularly those from vulnerable and/or marginalised groups.
- An ability to work collaboratively with different professionals.
We are expecting applicants for this role to be motivated to apply for doctoral training to qualify as an educational psychologist. Previous assistants have been successful in achieving this.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email:
Kathryn Davidson, Principal Educational Psychologist kathryn.davidson@westnorthants.gov.uk
Sarah Luxford, Senior Educational Psychologist Sarah.Luxford@westnorthants.gov.uk
You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
Assistant Educational Psychologist in Northampton employer: West Northants Council
West Northamptonshire Council is an exceptional employer for those passionate about educational psychology, offering a supportive and innovative work environment that prioritises professional development and collaboration. With extensive links to training universities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people in the community. The council's strong focus on employee wellbeing and continuous learning ensures that staff are empowered to reach their full potential in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Educational Psychologist in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former educational psychologists and assistants on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can often lead to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in educational psychology. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to improving outcomes for children and young people. Show us your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves working with children, parents, and professionals, being able to convey your ideas clearly is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at West Northamptonshire Council. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Educational Psychologist in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for educational psychology! Share your experiences working with children and young people, especially in educational settings. We want to know what drives you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for in an Assistant Educational Psychologist.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively – we want to get to know you!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you can find more information about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially around educational psychology. Familiarise yourself with key theories and practices that relate to working with children and young people. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've worked with children or young people, particularly in educational settings. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken to overcome challenges. This will demonstrate your practical skills and creativity, which are crucial for this role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team, the projects you'll be involved in, or the training opportunities available. This shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team's mission of improving outcomes for children and young people.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various professionals, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share examples of teamwork and how you’ve contributed to a positive group dynamic. This will highlight your interpersonal skills and commitment to working towards common goals.
