Educational Psychologist - EA Wide - 20 posts

Education Authority; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Educational Psychologist to join their innovative team. This role focuses on providing psychological services to children and young people, working closely with schools and parents to create inclusive educational environments. You will conduct assessments, develop intervention strategies, and collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for students with special educational needs. If you're passionate about making a difference in the educational landscape and supporting children's development, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Flexible Working Hours

Supportive Work Environment

Health and Wellbeing Programs

Qualifications

• Hold an approved Doctorate or Masters level qualification in Educational Psychology.
• Experience working as an Educational Psychologist or Trainee.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and advise on Special Educational Needs.
• Consult with schools to establish intervention strategies.

Skills

Psychological Assessment

Consultation Skills

Intervention Strategies

Knowledge of Special Educational Needs

Communication Skills

Education

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Masters in Educational Psychology

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

REPORST TO:Senior Educational Psychologist

RESPONSIBLE FOR:As part of the EA Psychology Service the post holder will provide under the supervision of the Principal Educational Psychologist and a Senior Educational Psychologist a psychological service as outlined below.

JOB PURPOSE

• The EA Psychology Service strives to work in partnership with parents, schools and other professionals to ensure that all children and young people develop and learn through effective education, with a particular emphasis on those who are experiencing difficulties within education.
• The post holder will provide under the supervision of the Principal Educational Psychologist and a Senior Educational Psychologist a psychological service. This includes working at different levels within the education system, linking casework to the development of policy and strategy. Providing direct support to individual children and young people and often working with and through others to achieve positive outcomes.
• Educational Psychologists work to support schools to create positive, inclusive environments which foster and develop children’s and young people’s resilience and wellbeing to impact positively on mental health.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Early Intervention and Consultation

• Consult with schools to establish preventative and early intervention strategies to meet the needs of children and young people.
• Consult with other statutory organisations regarding the efficient access to meeting the needs of children who have emergent special educational needs.

2. Assessment and Intervention

• Conduct developmental/psychological assessment of children and young people presenting with Special Educational Needs and who have been referred to the EA Psychology Service in line with the Code of Practice.
• Advise parents and teachers on how children’s Special Educational Needs can be best met.
• Contribute to the Statutory Assessment of children, including the provision of Psychological Advice to the EA as per the Code of Practice.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of intervention programmes for children with Special Educational Needs.
• Assist schools in improving outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs.

3. Management of Activities

• Manage a generic caseload, including prioritising workload in line with the EA Psychology Service guidelines.
• Keeping appropriate records as required to assist the service’s management information system.
• Under the supervision of a Senior Educational Psychologist and Principal Educational Psychologist contribute to the provision of an Educational Psychology Service for all schools and client groups within a specified geographical area, which may vary over time;
• Participate in clinics and working groups as required by the Education Authority.

4. Raising Achievement and Organisational Development

• Work within the EA’s corporate objectives and the operational objectives of the Children and Young People’s services directorate. Provide service based evidence regarding effective practice;
• Assist in the implementation of the EA’s ICT Strategy.
• Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the EA to ensure consistent, coherent and comprehensive approaches in meeting the special educational needs of children.
• Liaise and work co-operatively with Health & Social Services professionals and other agencies in the interests of children with special educational needs.

5. Service Development

• Work towards achieving the targets set out in the EA Psychology Service Development Plan.
• Contribute to the development of the service through attendance at team, staff meetings and service development plan review meetings.
• Contribute to service development by participating in annual staff appraisals.
• Work with schools in relation to whole school based support on effective strategies and interventions.

6.Training

• Attend continuing professional development courses in line with British Psychological Society Regulation guidelines.
• Assist supervisors in the training of Educational Psychologists in training.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to EA officers, schools and parents as required.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of in-service training for teachers, assistants, parents and other professionals.

7. Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision of clerical staff as required.
• Supervision of Educational Psychologists in training as required.
• Supervision of Educational Psychology Assistants as required.

8. Supervision Received

• General supervision by the Principal Educational Psychologist and by the Senior Educational Psychologist who will be responsible for initial induction and annual appraisal.

9. Work Complexity

• High level of complexity requiring a systematic and analytical approach to problem solving and the application of psychological theory in meeting the Special Educational Needs of children and young people.
• Creative and imaginative thinking in finding solutions to complex learning and behavioural difficulties.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, clickhere.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.

6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Experience

Hold an approved Doctorate level qualification as an Educational Psychologist;

OR

hold the award in Educational Psychology (Scotland);

OR

hold an approved Masters level qualification as an educational psychologist and a recognised teaching qualification and have a minimum of two years qualified teaching experience;

OR

hold an approved Masters level qualification as an Educational Psychologist and have five years’ experience of being employed as an educational psychologist with a recognised Education Authority in Great Britain or elsewhere.

Please note those currently completing doctorates by August 2025 may apply.

Provide evidence of registration ensuring compliance with the requirements for continued registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Experience working as an Educational Psychologist within an authority or experience as a Trainee Educational Psychologist.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
The successful candidate will be required:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Knowledge

Demonstrable knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing the education sector.

Understanding of the key areas of legislative change in relation to the Children and Young People’s Service; and statutory duties of the EA with regards to children and young people with Special Educational Needs.

Be familiar with the processes of consultation, assessment, intervention, training, researching and audit work.

Interview

Skills/
Abilities

In line withEA’s Game Changing People Modelwe will look for evidence of:

Ensure efficient and effective service delivery by setting targets as outlined in the service development plans.

Possess excellent oral, written and presentation skills.

Work effectively and in partnership with stakeholders and colleagues from other areas/agencies by engaging constructively with other professionals.

Successfully manage multi-priorities in a fast paced work environment.

Interview

Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Valueshere.

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience

Experience working as an Educational Psychologist .

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here .

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.