Staffordshire County Council - Senior Educational Psychologist

We have an opportunity for a new senior team member to help shape the future of educational psychology in Staffordshire.

Why Join Staffordshire EPS?

• Children and families are at the heart of all we do: Our work is driven by a commitment to improving the lives of children and families across Staffordshire. We work systemically with schools, families and multi-agency partners so support is holistic, inclusive and has measurable impact.
• Innovative practice: We’re central to Staffordshire’s new Enhanced Assess–Plan–Do–Review (EAPDR) pathway; using psychology in a preventative, collaborative and creative way, such as using MAPS and PATHS, rather than formal report writing.
• Impact at scale: Join nationally recognised programmes: our EP-led literacy approach, local and regional school non-attendance projects, and joint work with the Virtual School for care-experienced children. The Senior EP team will be a central part of the exciting changes placing the service at the centre of the White Paper changes.
• Supportive team culture: You’ll join a diverse, passionate leadership team of Seniors, and a service of EPs TEPS and Assistants who value creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Comprehensive induction, regular peer supervision, and vibrant CPD.
• Your practice matters: Whether you would be new to the Senior role, or whether you are bringing experience, we will support you to develop your practice and pursue your professional specialisms through supervision, peer supervision and opportunities to lead development groups and research. We also provide progression support for SPAs.

Through the effective application of psychological principles and techniques you will:

• Provide line management and psychological supervision for educational psychologists, and support the development and smooth running of a district team
• Take a pro-active role in providing a highly professional service for children and young people, parents/carers and professional colleagues in collaboration with the principal and other members of the Senior team.
• With the EPS Senior Team, lead the strategic planning for the EPS service to continually improve standards and contribute to service development.
• Contribute to the evaluation of impact, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery, to inform planning and action
• Proactively identify possible changes in service policy, procedures and practice
• Take the lead within the Educational Psychology Service for specific functions of that service across the County
• Lead team and service meetings and attend local authority working groups as required
• Contribute to the strategic work of the SEND team though attendance at panels, support for tribunals and to the smooth running of the EHC pathway

What we are looking for:

• HCPC-registered Educational Psychologist with recognised postgraduate training and a BPS-accredited psychology degree (or equivalent).
• An EP, SSEP or SEP who can apply psychology at a systems level, leading key initiatives and contribute to the development of the Expert at Hand model, continuing to enhance the psychological practice of our district teams and work collaboratively with the senior team, and with services and professionals across the county.
• A collaborative practitioner who values consultation, prevention and evidence-informed practice and is eager to keep learning.
• An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Are you interested? I would love to hear from you. For more information, or an informal chat, contact Melissa Jones, Principal Educational Psychologist: melissa.jones@staffordshire.gov.uk | 07970460188

Join us and help shape brighter futures for children and families in Staffordshire.