Senior Educational Psychologist

NHS; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council is seeking a Senior Educational Psychologist to join their Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Service. This pivotal full-time position offers a hybrid work model, fostering flexibility while contributing to the development of a high-quality, inclusive service for children and families. The successful candidate will take a leading role in delivering educational psychology services and ensuring best practices.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience as an educational psychologist.
• Ongoing professional development in Educational Psychology.
• Experience in policy development within Children's Services.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment and management of agency Educational Psychologists.
• Oversee quality assurance of specialist assessment reports.
• Manage performance and compliance of educational psychologists.
• Support local authority in defending SEND appeals.

Skills

Innovative thinking

Excellent presentation skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Education

BPS recognized qualifications in Educational Psychology

Approved postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

Lincolnshire County Council is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Senior Educational Psychologist to join our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Service on a full-time basis. This role is available on a hybrid working model, incorporating both remote and in-person working arrangements to promote flexibility and work-life balance.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, and compassionate professional to contribute to our vision of delivering a high-quality, inclusive child-centred service to our children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.

This is a pivotal role within the SEND Service, designed for an individual who is committed to the ongoing development and improvement of educational psychology service delivery. The successful candidate will take a leading role in our commissioned locum Educational Psychologist (EP) service delivery model, ensuring that all commissioned psychological advice reflects best practice in the application of psychology, is underpinned by innovation, and maintains the highest standards of professional integrity.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Educational Psychologist looking to step into a leadership role within a progressive local authority that is committed to innovation and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children, young people, and families across Lincolnshire.

About us

Lincolnshire County Council is one of the largest employers in the county. We embrace diversity, innovation, and progress. We value our people and aim to support your growth and well-being.

We consider you an integral member of our community and prioritize your well-being. Our competitive package includes health benefits, retirement plans, and support for work-life balance.

We promote equality of opportunity, eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimization, and foster good relations among employees and the community.

At LCC, we believe every day is a learning day. We support your professional development through various opportunities, including on-the-job learning, structured programs, formal qualifications, coaching, and informal learning.

Job responsibilities

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and management of agency Educational Psychologists supporting statutory duties related to EHC Needs Assessments, EHCPs, and EHC reviews.
• Oversee and ensure quality assurance of specialist assessment reports, providing guidance and sign-off where appropriate.
• Manage the performance and compliance of agency educational psychologists in delivering statutory EHC assessments.
• Support the local authority in defending EHC SEND appeals and ensure assessment reports meet local standards, with quarterly performance reporting.
• Assist with EHC weekly allocations and support decision-making in EHC commissioning.
• Provide guidance on complex cases within SEND teams.
• Lead strategic planning for training and development activities for parents, carers, teachers, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Coordinate research and evaluation initiatives to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• BPS recognized qualifications in Educational Psychology.
• Approved postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology.

Knowledge and Skills

• Innovative thinking to foster strong relationships within the service and externally, managing conflicting priorities.
• Championing applied psychology and new initiatives aligned with strategic goals.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and persuasive skills.
• Strong analytical skills for decision-making based on complex information.
• Effective budgeting and financial planning skills.
• Ability to plan, monitor, and manage work to meet objectives with quality and value for money.
• Credibility with diverse stakeholders, including health professionals.
• Leadership skills to inspire a high-performing team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, statutory duties, and local authority procedures.
• Experience in managing budgets and implementing policies.
• Proven leadership in managing professionals.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience as an educational psychologist.
• Ongoing professional development in Educational Psychology.
• Experience in policy development and senior-level initiatives within Children's Services.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This role requires a DBS check due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Depending on experience, the salary range is Senior EP Salary Scale point 11 - 14 plus 2 SPA Points.