Hertfordshire County Council - Senior Educational Psychologist

Make a difference for children and young people across Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire County Council is proud of its ambitious and evolving Educational Psychology Service. We are seeking Senior Educational Psychologists who combine strong professional expertise with a passion for inclusive, outcomes‑focused practice—and who are motivated to shape how services are delivered at both individual and system levels.

This is an opportunity to work collaboratively, influence strategic direction, and apply psychology creatively to improve outcomes for children and young people across Hertfordshire.

About Us
At Hertfordshire County Council, improving life chances for children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. Our Educational Psychology Service works within an integrated practice framework, supporting schools, families and services through consultation, systemic working and high‑quality statutory assessment.

We are continuing to invest in service development, innovation and workforce wellbeing, ensuring our Educational Psychologists are supported to deliver impactful, evidence‑based practice.

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 a Senior Educational Psychologist, you will play a key role in both service delivery and leadership, working closely with the Principal and Deputy Principal Educational Psychologists.

You will exercise a high level of professional autonomy and be accountable for complex decision‑making, assessment and psychological advice within your scope of practice.

Your role will include:

• Providing high‑quality psychological assessment, consultation and intervention to support academic achievement and emotional wellbeing
• Provide line management, professional supervision and support of trainee and qualified Educational Psychologists
• Contributing to service development, innovation and new ways of working at local and countywide levels
• Supporting operational planning, policy development, quality assurance and performance improvement
• Working collaboratively within multi‑agency systems to deliver effective, person‑centred outcomes for children and families
• Providing leadership and quality assurance for statutory assessment and advice
• Modelling and promoting research‑informed practice across the service

About You
You will be an experienced and reflective practitioner with a strong commitment to applying psychology to improve outcomes for children, young people and families.

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
• Substantial experience as an Educational Psychologist within a local authority, including experience of supporting or managing people, projects or service activity
• A high level of professional skill and knowledge in Educational Psychology, with evidence of delivering effective psychological work that supports learning, emotional wellbeing and positive outcomes
• Strong understanding of current developments in psychology, child development, education and SEND, including national and local policy affecting vulnerable children and young people
• Experience of person‑centred, outcomes‑led practice, including consultation‑based, systemic and Assess–Plan–Do–Review approaches
• Experience of working effectively within multi‑agency and partnership contexts, developing positive relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, sensitively and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and support others, work collaboratively as part of a team, and contribute to service improvement and new ways of working
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes

Desirable:

• Experience of contributing to service planning and development
• Experience of delivering professional supervision
• Experience of applied research
• Experience of developing or delivering commissioned work

Talk to us
We welcome informal conversations. To find out more, please contact:

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