Gateshead Council - Educational Psychologist

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Apply psychology where it matters most – improving outcomes for children and young people

We are a supportive, welcoming and forward-thinking Educational Psychology Service based in Gateshead, working within Children’s Social Care and Lifelong Learning. As a team, we are committed to applying solution-focused approaches and evidence-based psychology to promote inclusion and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. We have a strong traded offer with schools and a developing “Experts at Hand” model, giving opportunities to work both at an individual and strategic level. The service benefits from a central base alongside flexible hybrid working, high-quality administrative support, and a collaborative team culture where professional development, supervision and shared learning are actively encouraged

Be part of a forward-thinking Educational Psychology Service shaping inclusive practice

What you will get to do

• Deliver a high-quality Educational Psychology Service to children, young people, families and education settings, promoting learning, mental health and wellbeing
• Work directly with schools through a successful traded Service Level Agreement, supporting inclusion and outcomes
• Provide consultation, advice and problem-solving support to staff, parents/carers and other professionals
• Contribute to assessment of special educational needs, delivering high-quality psychological advice, interventions and outcomes-based support
• Deliver evidence-based, psychologically informed interventions to individuals and groups across the 0–25 age range
• Work as part of a multi-agency approach to support inclusion in line with legislation and local policy
• Contribute to strategic service developments and projects, including the “Experts at Hand” model
• Plan and deliver research initiatives and training.
• Participate in supervision arrangements within the service, both internal supervision and external e.g. MeLSA and ELSA.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery, maintaining accurate and timely records
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusive practice in all areas of work
• Collaborate as an active member of a supportive team, contributing to service improvement and development

Bring your skills to a service committed to learning, development and real change.

What you will bring

• An Honours Degree in Psychology which provides eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered (GBC) membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Postgraduate training in Educational Psychology which is recognised by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC)..
• A current driving license and have access to a car or means to mobility support.
• Professional qualifications & registration: Honours Degree in Psychology (GBC eligible), recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology, and HCPC registration.
• Strong knowledge base: Up-to-date understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding, child development, consultation approaches, and assessment frameworks.
• Applied practice expertise: Experience using evidence-based psychology with children, young people and professionals across education and community settings.
• Assessment & intervention skills: Ability to use and interpret a range of psychological assessment tools and deliver effective interventions for individuals and groups.
• Collaboration & delivery: Proven experience of multi-agency working, delivering training, and working both independently and as part of a team.
• Core professional skills: Excellent communication, report writing, ICT use, organisation and time management, with ability to meet deadlines.

If successful you will have to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure.