Hertfordshire County Council - Educational Psychologist

Make a difference for children and young people across Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council is continuing to invest in its Educational Psychology Service, and we are seeking Educational Psychologists who are passionate about inclusive, preventative and evidence‑based practice.

Whether you are an experienced practitioner or currently completing your doctoral training, this is an opportunity to work within a supportive, forward‑thinking service where your professional judgement, creativity and wellbeing are genuinely valued.

About Us

Our Educational Psychology Service works within an integrated practice framework, supporting children and young people aged 0–25, with a strong emphasis on SEND, emotional wellbeing and inclusion.

We work collaboratively with families, schools and partner services, balancing high‑quality statutory work with consultation, systemic practice and early intervention. We are committed to developing modern psychological practice that has a lasting impact on outcomes for children and young people.

Our service delivers SEND support through consultation‑based practice, systemic work and training with schools in partnership with local areas, a dedicated parent contact line, crisis support for schools, and the effective delivery of statutory duties.

Our Values
We foster a professional, supportive culture that values work‑life balance, staff wellbeing and flexible psychological practice, underpinned by high‑quality supervision, collaborative service development, research‑informed practice and robust, ethical quality assurance.

About the role

As an Educational Psychologist, you will deliver high‑quality psychological support to children, young people, families and settings across Hertfordshire.

Your role will include:

• Providing consultative, preventative and statutory psychological advice to support learning, inclusion and wellbeing
• Exercising independent professional judgement and accountability for your psychological advice and practice
• Working creatively and flexibly with children and young people aged 0–25, particularly those with SEND
• Applying evidence‑based and research‑informed approaches to inform psychological formulation and intervention
• Contributing to crisis and critical‑incident support where required
• Working collaboratively within multi‑disciplinary and multi‑agency contexts to achieve positive outcomes

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers professional autonomy alongside strong supervision, peer support and opportunities for development.

About You
We welcome applications from qualified Educational Psychologists and trainee EPs currently completing a recognised doctoral programme.

You will be an evidence‑informed practitioner committed to inclusive practice and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Essential:

• A Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology or a Professional Master’s in Educational Psychology with Qualified Teacher Status, with current HCPC registration and evidence of ongoing CPD. Trainees will be on the doctorate course, in year 2 or 3
• Previous local authority experience
• Good knowledge of legislation and guidance relating to children and young people aged 0–25, including SEND Code of Practice
• Ability to apply psychological theory, research and consultation‑based approaches to support learning, wellbeing and inclusion
• Experience of working collaboratively with families, schools and multi‑agency partners, including responding to crisis or critical incidents
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including producing clear, high‑quality reports to deadlines
• Ability to work independently and flexibly, managing time, workload and competing demands
• Commitment to equality, diversity and children’s rights
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes

Talk to us
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

• Naina Cowell, Principal EP (East) – naina.cowell@hertfordshire.gov.uk
• Melanie Flay, Principal EP (West) – melanie.flay@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Recruitment Timeline: Applications are reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be arranged on an ad‑hoc basis—early application is encouraged.

Our Offer:

• Up to 3 SPA points
• £7,000 annual market enhancement (terms apply)
• Up to £6,000 relocation package (terms apply)
• Up to 36 days annual leave
• Reimbursement of HCPC registration fees
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities
• Salary exchange options, including additional annual leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme with 19% employer contribution
• Employee wellbeing support, staff networks and discounts
• Free parking and smart working environments
• Opportunities to work within a broad, integrated multi‑disciplinary team and countywide initiatives
• Regular service CPD days, learning sets, professional networking, supervision and peer support

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.