States of Guernsey - Educational Psychologist

JOB DESCRIPTION 

JOB SUMMARY 
To contribute to the delivery of the Educational Psychology Service (EPS) and undertake the full range of generic Educational Psychologist duties as the link EP for several schools and settings which may include within pre-schools and off-island casework. Participate in relevant strategic work including policy development, advisory work, liaison with key stakeholders and operational activities. 

RELATIONSHIPS 
The post holder will be responsible to the Principal Educational Psychologist and will work closely with the EPS team, children, young people and families, school staff, Education Officers, wider professionals, and key stakeholders from other agencies.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Adhere to the professional standards for Educational Psychologists as set out by the British Psychological Society and the Health and Care Professions Council
• Undertake Educational Psychology Service work for identified settings and learners and for identified children and young people who may be off island.
• Use and disseminate evidence-informed psychological theory and research that is effective in reducing barriers to education and building resilience for children, young people and families.
• Apply professional knowledge and skills, including consultation, identification, assessment, intervention planning, delivery, and research to:
• promote effective partnerships between children and young people, their parents / carers and practitioners who work with them.
• Provide timely and appropriate advice and planning to meet the needs of children and young people.
• to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable children, young people, and families
• Support settings to develop, implement and review a range of innovative strategies to promote and improve teaching and learning, attendance, access, and behaviour (with a particular regard for under-achieving cohorts) demonstrating the effectiveness of evidence-informed practice and outcomes for children, young people and families.
• Provide psychological advice as part of States of Guernsey needs assessments in accordance with the relevant legislation and guidance and contribute to complex annual review work.
• Support and empower parents/carers to enhance their parenting skills and capacity, using a range of interventions, including casework, consultation, and support.
• Deliver consultation and training, working at setting and organisational levels, which develops the capacity of schools and settings to manage and deliver appropriate interventions.
• Support Education Services’ and Office response to critical incidents, bereavement and trauma in schools and settings in line with service policy, processes, and guidelines.
• Support Senior Educational Psychologists and the Principal Educational Psychologist in addressing the needs of children, young people, their families, and school staff.
• Maintain accurate records, compile reports to agreed service and professional standards and to undertake administrative duties relating to the EP function (including regular returns of workload activity for data / statistical purposes). -
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, research, policy, and initiatives, both national and local to assess any implications for changes to practice, making adaptations where necessary.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and grade of the post as may be requested. This may include the supervision of assistant and/or trainee educational psychologists and programmes such as MELSA MeLSA and ELSA (for those who hold registered trainer status).
• The above duties are not exhaustive, but the job description is current at the date shown and is a guide to the work the post holder will be required to undertake. This job description and its requirements will be subject to periodic review and possible change. 

KEY CRITERIA 

ESSENTIAL 

1. Honours degree in psychology or equivalent recognised by the BPS.
2. BPS recognised training and qualification in professional Educational Psychology.
3. Have Chartered Psychologist status or be eligible for Chartered Status by the BPS.
4. HCPC registration.
5. Demonstrable relevant experience within an Educational Psychology service, delivering high quality work in all aspects.
6. Excellent up to date knowledge of current key themes and issues in Education and particularly Educational Psychology, to inform practice when working with vulnerable families.
7. Experience of delivery of continuing professional development for schools.
8. Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to liaise with a range of people.
9. Ability to provide specific input into the EPS through the sharing of professional knowledge and experience.
10. An enhanced DBS check is required for this post.

Applicants should note that this post is not on Soulbury Pay and Conditions. If you are in any doubt about the pay and conditions on offer, please contact the employer for clarification.