Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority organization in Chelmsford is seeking Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists to contribute to innovative practices in educational psychology. This role involves providing expert consultancy and leadership in SEND while collaborating across teams to enhance support for children and young people. Ideal candidates will have a Psychology degree, a Doctorate, and experience in applying educational psychology principles.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Opportunities for professional development

Dedicated strategic time

Qualifications

• BPS-recognised Psychology degree and Doctorate in Educational Psychology.
• HCPC registration and eligibility for Graduate Basis with the BPS.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, integrity and reliability.
• Experience applying educational psychology principles and practice.
• Understanding of children’s services and collaborative multi-agency work.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation and advice to colleagues across SEND and Education teams.
• Offer professional supervision and support for EP colleagues.
• Provide leadership towards inclusive practice through intervention, training, and project work.
• Contribute to complex casework and Tribunal work.
• Maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Knowledge of SEND legislation

Education

BPS-recognised Psychology degree

Doctorate in Educational Psychology

HCPC registration

Job description

Overview

Essex County Council are looking for dedicated Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists (SSEPs) to join our quadrant-led teams. This role combines statutory and early intervention work along with strategic development in a specialist area, contributing to innovative practice and improved outcomes for children and young people. SSEPs are based in one of four quadrants: North (Colchester and surrounding areas), Mid (Chelmsford and surrounding areas), West (Harlow and surrounding areas), or South (Basildon and surrounding areas).

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities to lead and shape specialist practice across Essex
• Dedicated time for strategic work in your area of expertise
• Ongoing professional development and supervision

About the Service

Educational Psychologists in Essex form part of a wider transformation programme aimed at improving outcomes and life experiences for children and young people with SEND. The vision is to identify and respond to needs earlier, offering impactful support without over-reliance on statutory services. SSEPs contribute to strategic development, complex casework and the evolution of practice and policy across the county. You will dedicate 20% of your time to your specialist area to inform strategic initiatives and interventions; the remaining 80% involves providing expert consultation, supervision, leadership towards inclusive practice, and contributions to complex casework and Tribunal work. You will keep up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD that benefits the EPS and service users.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert consultation and advice to colleagues across SEND and Education teams
• Offer professional supervision and support for EP colleagues, field supervision for Trainee EPs, and operational supervision to Assistant EPs through casework, training and development
• Provide leadership and knowledge towards inclusive practice through intervention, training, and project work
• Contribute to complex casework and Tribunal work
• Maintain up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD

Specialist Areas

• Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) – Promote emotional wellbeing and resilience; lead strategic developments and provide psychological support during critical incidents; apply evidence-based SEMH interventions; conduct assessments; deliver training.
• Youth Justice – Support children and young people at risk of or involved in the Youth Justice system; use evidence-based approaches; collaborate across education, health and justice services; provide consultation and training.
• Autism – Deliver assessments and tailored interventions; promote inclusive strategies and autism awareness; work with families, educators and professionals; design and deliver training.
• Cognition and Learning – Enhance learning outcomes through assessments and evidence-based interventions; support schools to implement inclusive approaches; collaborate with multi-agency teams; contribute to research, training and innovation; explore use of assistive technologies.

Qualifications and Experience

• BPS-recognised Psychology degree and Doctorate in Educational Psychology
• HCPC registration and eligibility for Graduate Basis with the BPS
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, integrity and reliability
• Extensive experience applying educational psychology principles and practice
• Evidence of recent CPD and expert knowledge in relevant areas
• Understanding of children’s services and collaborative, multi-agency working
• Experience in planning, performance frameworks, and delivering successful projects or research
• Detailed knowledge of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act (2010)
• Desirable: experience in conducting research and contributing to the evidence base
• Ability to provide leadership and support to colleagues and service members
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, integrity, and reliability

Mobility

Please note that this role requires mobility throughout Essex. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet mobility requirements via other means.

Why Essex?

Essex is one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, offering a stimulating public service environment. We cover over 1,420 square miles and serve 1.8 million residents. We are committed to transformational change, flexible working options, and innovation. In February 2025, Greater Essex joined the Government’s devolution priority programme toward establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and supports reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. We also encourage applications from disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. A DBS check may be required for this role.