Wirral Council - Specialist Educational Psychologist & Maingade Educational Psychologist

Wirral: Making a Difference for Children and Young People

Join a service that is truly making a difference. Wirral Children’s Services are dedicated to securing brighter futures for all children and young people (CYP). Our Educational Psychology (EP) Service is forward-thinking, and committed to delivering meaningful, lasting impact for families and communities.

If you are an EP who values early intervention and relational approaches, if you are passionate about inclusion, motivated by collaboration, and driven to create widespread positive change, then Wirral offers an exciting opportunity to make a positive, wide-reaching impact to the lives of children and young people with SEND and their families.

Welcome to Wirral: About Us
Wirral EP Service is a forward thinking and warm, supportive team of skilled practitioners united by shared values and a strong commitment to inclusive practice.   As part of our welcoming team, you'll benefit from frequent peer support, collaborative practice, and regular social events that help colleagues stay connected and thrive.

This is an exciting time to join us.   We are playing a central role in delivering the Experts at Hand model, helping to improve inclusion through consultation, systemic work and training. Whilst statutory work remains an important part of the Educational Psychology Service, our extensive locum EP provision enables the core team to focus increasingly on early intervention and preventative practice. 

The team’s involvement in the development of LA wide initiatives is highly valued by senior leaders. Schools and settings rate our input and are keen to work with us for positive change.  Our team of EPs, Trainee EPs and Assistant EPs, all work collaboratively within a culture of support and professional growth.

More About the Roles

Main Grade Educational Psychologist (multiple posts)
We welcome applications from qualified EPs and Trainee EPs (Years 2 or 3 of doctoral training).  Flexible working and part-time hours are available, as required. 

In this role, you will:

• Offer consultation to schools or settings to improve outcomes for children and young people
• Contribute to inclusive practice and the EP service’s training offer
• Support inclusion by collaborating with other services and agencies.
• Contribute to the delivery of SEND reforms and the Expert at Hand programme
• Deliver high-quality psychological services to support CYP aged 0–25 across diverse settings
• Provide psychological advice to the Local Authority
• Supervise and support Assistant EPs and ELSA colleagues and support the development of Trainee EPs.  

Specialist Educational Psychologist 
We are seeking experienced EPs with knowledge and experience in the area of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

In addition to core EP responsibilities, you will:

• Lead and champion inclusive practice across the Local Authority in this area
• Work on embedding relational and trauma-informed approaches in schools, as part of our Experts at Hand work
• Shape and deliver strategic developments to support engagement and belonging in schools, setting and communities, as lead for our emotional barriers to school attendance (EBSA) work
• Work collaboratively across agencies to drive systemic change and boost inclusion
• Promote and embed evidence-based practice across the service
• Support the development of colleagues and strengthen professional expertise in our team and in wider children’s services

What You’ll Need to be Successful When Applying to Wirral
We are looking for enthusiastic and committed professionals who:

• Thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about service development
• Hold a recognised postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology
• Are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• Have a sound understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding, and statutory processes

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for all successful applicants.

What Wirral Can Offer You
We are committed to supporting your professional and personal wellbeing. Benefits include:

• A welcoming, friendly service with a strong team ethos
• A comprehensive and supported induction
• Soulbury pay scale with up to 3 SPA points and existing SPA points honoured
• Clear and supported career progression pathways for EPs, including Specialist and Senior EP roles
• Reimbursement of HCPC registration fees
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
• Excellent CPD and career development opportunities
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, staff networks and employee discounts
• Modern, well-equipped office space in a central location
• Salary exchange schemes, including additional annual leave and cycle-to-work options

Want to Find Out More?
For an informal chat about the role, please contact our Interim Principal Educational Psychologist, Judith Temlett – judithtemlett@wirral.gov.uk 

How to Apply
Apply via the links and take the next step in your career with Wirral.