Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist
Permanent, Full Time
Soulbury Scale B from 3 to 5 plus SPA
Location: Essex
Working Style:
Please note salary will pay based on the Soulbury Pay B Scale (plus SPA) with your entry level to the role determining salary. We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time opportunities.
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.
While role specific SSEP responsibilities are service wide, all SSEPs are based within in one of our four quadrants:
1. North - Colchester and surrounding areas
2. Mid - Chelmsford and surrounding areas
3. West - Harlow and surrounding areas
4. South - Basildon and surrounding areas
What We Offer:
5. A supportive and collaborative working environment
6. Opportunities to lead and shape specialist practice across Essex
7. Dedicated time for strategic work in your area of expertise
8. Ongoing professional development and supervision
Educational Psychology in Essex
EPs are part of a wider transformation programme aimed at improving outcomes and life experiences for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The vision is to build a system that identifies and responds to needs earlier, offering impactful support without over-reliance on statutory services.
Specialist Senior Educational Psychologists (SSEPs) play a key role in this work, contributing to strategic development, complex casework, and the evolution of practice and policy across the county.
As a SSEP, you will dedicate 20% of your time to your specialist area, applying expert psychological knowledge to inform the development of strategic initiatives and interventions. The remaining 80% of your time will involve providing:
9. Expert consultation and advice to colleagues, across the range of our SEND and Education teams
10. Professional supervision and support for EP colleagues, Field supervision for Trainee EPs, and operational supervision to Assistant EPs through casework, training, and development
11. Leadership and knowledge towards inclusive practice through intervention, training, and project work
12. Contributions to complex casework and Tribunal work.
13. Up-to-date specialist knowledge through research and CPD that is impactful to the EPS and service users.
Specialist Areas
Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) - Promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience for children and young people with SEMH needs including leading strategic developments and providing psychological support during critical incidents in schools and settings.
Key aspects include:
14. Responding to critical incidents with calm, empathetic, and effective support
15. Applying evidence-based SEMH interventions to improve outcomes
16. Conducting assessments and working collaboratively across services
17. Delivering training to build capacity in schools and settings
Youth Justice - Supporting children and young people who have experienced adversity or present with behavioural vulnerabilities, drawing on psychological expertise to inform assessment, intervention, and strategic work within the Youth Justice system.
Key aspects include:
18. Working with young people at risk of or involved in the Youth Justice system
19. Using evidence-based approaches to support behavioural and emotional needs
20. Collaborating with professionals across education, health, and justice services.
21. Providing consultation and training to strengthen the support systems around CYP within the YJS.
Autism - Improving outcomes for autistic children and young people through inclusive, evidence-based practice by focusing on enhancing understanding, access to support, and strategic development across services.
Key aspects include:
22. Delivering assessment and tailored interventions for autistic learners
23. Promoting inclusive strategies and autism awareness
24. Working closely with families, educators, and professionals
25. Designing and delivering training to support best practice
Cognition and Learning - Aiming to enhance learning outcomes for children and young people with cognitive and learning needs by applying psychological knowledge to develop effective strategies, including the use of assistive technologies.
Key aspects include:
26. Supporting schools to implement inclusive learning approaches
27. Conducting assessments and applying evidence-based interventions
28. Collaborating with educators and multi-agency teams
29. Contributing to research, training, and innovation in learning support
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential
30. BPS-recognised Psychology degree and Doctorate in Educational Psychology
31. HCPC registration and eligibility for Graduate Basis with the BPS
32. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with integrity and reliability
33. Extensive experience applying educational psychology principles and practice
34. Evidence of recent CPD and expert knowledge in relevant areas
35. Understanding of children’s services and collaborative, multi-agency working
36. Experience in planning, performance frameworks, and delivering successful projects or research
37. Detailed knowledge of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and Equality Act (2010)
Desirable:
38. Experience in conducting research and contributing to the evidence base
39. Ability to provide leadership and support to colleagues and service members
40. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, integrity, and reliability.
. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
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.
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