Essex County Council - Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist

Essex Educational Psychologists are part of a county-wide transformation programme focused on improving outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our vision is to identify and respond to needs earlier, reduce reliance on statutory services, and promote inclusive, evidence-based support across schools and settings.

We are inviting applications from experienced Educational Psychologists to join our quadrant-led teams as Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists (SSEPs). This role combines statutory and early intervention work along with strategic development in a specialist area, contributing to innovative practice and improved outcomes for children and young people.

While role specific SSEP responsibilities are service wide, all SSEPs are based within in one of our four quadrants:

• North - Colchester and surrounding areas
• Mid - Chelmsford and surrounding areas
• West - Harlow and surrounding areas
• South - Basildon and surrounding areas

As a SSEP, you will dedicate 20% of your time to your specialist area, applying expert psychological knowledge to inform the development of strategic initiatives and interventions. The remaining 80% of your time will involve providing:

• Expert consultation and advice to colleagues, across the range of our SEND and Education teams
• Professional supervision and support for EP colleagues, Field supervision for Trainee EPs, and operational supervision to Assistant EPs through casework, training, and development
• Leadership and knowledge towards inclusive practice through intervention, training, and project work
• Contributions to complex casework and Tribunal work.
• Up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD that is impactful to the EPS and service users. 

Specialist Areas

Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Promotes emotional wellbeing and resilience for children and young people, including strategic development and psychological support during critical incidents.

Youth Justice
Supports young people who have experienced adversity or behavioural challenges, with psychological input into assessment, intervention, and multi-agency collaboration.

Autism
Improves outcomes for autistic children and young people through inclusive, evidence-based practice, training, and strategic development.

Cognition and Learning
Enhances learning outcomes for children with cognitive and learning needs through assessment, intervention, and the use of assistive technologies.

Essential Requirements

• BPS-recognised Psychology degree and Doctorate in Educational Psychology
• HCPC registration and eligibility for Graduate Basis with the BPS
• Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, and reliability
• Extensive experience in educational psychology practice
• Evidence of recent CPD and expert knowledge in relevant areas
• Understanding of children’s services and collaborative working
• Experience in planning, performance frameworks, and project delivery
• Knowledge of SEND legislation including the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act (2010)

Desirable

• Research experience and contribution to evidence-based practice
• Leadership skills to support colleagues and service development

What We Offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• The chance to make a difference in Essex schools and settings

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our team.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.