Educational Psychologist

Buckinghamshire Council; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council's Educational Psychology Service is looking for dynamic Educational Psychologists to join their expanding team. The role involves flexible working across various settings, contributing to children's well-being and educational development. With a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth, you will work under a forward-thinking service dedicated to making a difference in the community.

Benefits

Market premium of £2,500 per annum

One-off Golden Hello payment of £2,000

Health and well-being initiatives

Support for career progression

Opportunities for social activities

Qualifications

• Dynamic individuals with current psychological skills and knowledge.
• Commitment to developing EP practice both locally and nationally.
• Applications from Trainee EPs and HCPC-registered practitioners.

Responsibilities

• Work at preventive, early intervention, and statutory levels.
• Contribute to EHC Needs Assessments.
• Engage in non-statutory projects and link EP roles.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Psychological skills

Education

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

HCPC registration

Job description

Buckinghamshire Council’s Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is expanding, and we want dynamic psychologists to be part of our thriving team.

Following several years of successful recruitment and diverse service delivery to schools, the council has invested in permanently extending the service. This expansion and the creation of new senior posts have resulted in vacancies at the main grade level.

In addition to the advertised salary, you will receive a market premium of £2,500 per annum and a one-off Golden Hello payment of £2,000 after one year of service. (Please note the Golden Hello is for external candidates only.)

"Working in Buckinghamshire Educational Psychology Services is a real pleasure. I’m surrounded by a knowledgeable, caring, dedicated, skillful, and innovative team committed to making a positive difference in our communities. My line management has been exceptional, supporting my skill development and helping me meet local needs and manage professional challenges. Anyone joining our team can expect a very warm welcome!" - Dr Tiffany Kearns (Educational Psychologist)

"Working for an EPS with such a dynamic and vibrant team fosters growth at both individual and service levels. Having worked here for nearly 15 years, I’ve had opportunities to develop key areas of interest to support children, families, and educational settings. Our commitment to high-quality work, positive relationships, and professional autonomy are key strengths. It’s a privilege to work for such a forward-thinking service, and I’m excited about our future." - Dr Steph Noble (Educational Psychologist)

About us

Our large, talented team includes Educational Psychologists (EPs), Assistant EPs, and Trainee EPs. Led by a dynamic leadership team, including Seniors, Deputies, and the Principal EP, we offer excellent line management and opportunities for progression. We operate a hybrid model of consultation and assessment, combining face-to-face and remote working.

Our non-statutory services include a link EP model supporting mainstream and special schools, along with countywide projects aligned with strategic goals. Current projects include:

• School workforce development: clinical supervision for Head Teachers, group supervisions for SEMH practitioners, and an expanding e-learning platform for new practitioners.
• Support for vulnerable groups: drop-in sessions with the Virtual School, EBSA pathway assessments, and pilot projects on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in schools.
• Early Years: group supervision with early years practitioners and development of support for children with SEMH needs.
• Post 16: developing a new strategic lead to enhance post-16 services.

We collaborate with the Integrated SEND service, providing multi-professional problem-solving spaces, supervision for ISEND colleagues, and training for children’s services staff.

Our EPs benefit from excellent clinical supervision and peer networks, fostering creativity and growth.

About the role

As an EP, you’ll engage in work at preventative, early intervention, and statutory levels, practicing across individual, family, school, and system-wide contexts.

Contributing to EHC Needs Assessments is a key part of the role, with statutory work allocated outside the link EP model, allowing protected time for your link role and non-statutory projects.

We value individuality, encourage creativity, and foster autonomy, enabling you to shape your role and maximize your impact.

The role is mobile, offering flexibility to schedule your own diary, meet colleagues and clients in various locations, and work remotely using digital resources and network access.

About you

We seek dynamic individuals with current psychological skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on children and young people in Buckinghamshire. You should have excellent interpersonal skills, be a committed team player, and eager to develop EP practice locally and nationally.

We support professional development for all team members, whether experienced or newly qualified. Applications are welcome from Trainee EPs at all stages of the doctorate and HCPC-registered practitioners.

We consider both full-time and part-time applicants.

Closing date: Midnight on Wednesday, 2nd July

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received. Early application is advised.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected under filtering rules

Our values are: Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative, and Trustworthy.

Joining us, you can expect:

• A fair and inclusive culture
• The opportunity to make a real difference
• Health and well-being initiatives, including Employee Assistance Programmes, Mental Health First Aiders, and mindfulness workshops
• A unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• Support for your development and career progression
• Opportunities for social activities and fundraising