Devon County Council - Senior Educational Psychologists (5 posts)

Are you passionate about using psychology to improve outcomes for children and young people? Are you looking for an opportunity to be part of a transformative service working collaboratively with Inclusion & Learning colleagues and supporting the SEND reforms in Devon?

Devon Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is a well-established, lively and thriving EP community, that is central to developing and delivering inclusive communities in Devon.

We are looking for five Senior Educational Psychologists to contribute to strong and inclusive strategic and operational leadership for the Devon EPS.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team.

Why work for us?

• Devon County Council is on a mission to create a child-centred and future-focused inclusive education system. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Educational Psychologist to be part of this change. You will work with the senior leadership team to provide impactful support through needs-led practice and relational, effective leadership.
• Our Devon SEND Transformation Programme is well underway and our new Local Area SEND Strategy highlights a turning point for the partnership in improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.
• Through the SEND reforms, including the development of the Experts at Hand model, Devon is strengthening earlier, needs-led access to multi-disciplinary expertise so schools, settings and families receive timely support without unnecessary escalation.
• We are ambitious for Devon and our people. We have a clear vision and strategic plan to guide our actions and decisions. We want to create a prosperous, resilient, and healthy county, where people can fulfil their potential and enjoy a high quality of life. We are committed to tackling the challenges and opportunities that face us, such as climate change, population growth, increased demand on Childrens services, and digital transformation.
• We are also committed to our principles and behaviours, which shape how we work and interact with each other and our stakeholders. We are honest, respectful, courageous, and solutions focused. We value diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be collaborative, innovative, and accountable. We are proud of our achievements, and we learn from our mistakes. We are always looking for ways to improve and develop ourselves and our services.
• The EPS priorities are focused on enhancing the inclusive capacity of schools and settings; delivering high quality and timely statutory services; developing effective early intervention and working in partnership with families, schools and partners. You would play a central role in this.
• The EPS is a critical service which influences, develops and delivers strategic priorities across Devon aimed at improving outcomes for children and families including Devon’s Ordinary Available Inclusive Provision and the Attendance and EBSA support project.
• We have a thriving ‘Psychology Works’ traded service offer which includes Consultation and Review, training and supervision.
• We are committed to supporting career development and have a range of roles within the service including undergraduate psychology placements, Assistant EPs, Main grade EPs, Specialist Senior EPs, Senior EPs and Associate EPs, alongside strong links with our Specialist Support Services.
• Wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance is important to us.

This is the role – Senior Educational Psychologist

• You will support the strategic planning and development of the EPS as part of the Senior Leadership Group.
• You will use psychological theory and research to support the leadership of the EPS and to develop and inform evidence-based needs-led practice to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• You will play a key role in shaping and delivering the EPS contribution to SEND reforms, including Experts at Hand, using psychological practice to build capacity in mainstream settings and support inclusive, early intervention across Devon.
• You will support the meaningful involvement of families in service development and evaluation as part of the council’s commitment to co-production, putting residents first and children at the heart of our practice.
• You will contribute to quality assurance and monitoring to ensure services are delivered to time and are high quality and value for money.
• You will line manage a team and provide supervision.
• You will work with children and young people (aged 0 to 25), their families and other professionals, to apply educational psychology in a range of schools and settings and within the community.

These are the benefits
We offer an attractive package of benefits, including:

• Annual leave allowance of 43 days plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension and Employee benefits scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities with an Exeter, Totnes or Barnstaple office base
• Well-structured induction programme and strong CPD offer
• High quality individual supervision distinct from line management
• Paid HCPC registration

Anything else I should know
To find out more about the Educational Psychology Service please visit our website.

If you would like an informal conversation, please contact Dr Rachel Edmundson, Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist Rachel.edmundson@devon.gov.uk 

An enhanced DBS with ABL and CBL check is required for this post.

Applicants must be professionally qualified and registered with the HCPC.

Applicants must hold a full current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for regular business use.

How to apply 
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed. 

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply. 

Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.   
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. 
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).