Educational Psychologist - Main Grade
Permanent, Full Time
Soulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunity
Location: Essex
Working Style:
Please note salary will pay based on the Soulbury Pay A Scale (+ SPA) with your entry level to the role determining salary. We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time opportunities.
The Role
Essex County Council is seeking passionate and dedicated Main Grade Educational Psychologists to join our quadrant-led teams. We are committed to applying psychology to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including Trainee Educational Psychologists in their second or third year of training.
In joining our dynamic team of Educational Psychologists at Essex County Council you will be based in one of our four quadrants:
North: Colchester and surrounding areas
Mid: Chelmsford and surrounding areas
West: Harlow and surrounding areas
South: Basildon and surrounding areas
What We Offer
1. A supportive and collaborative working environment
2. Opportunities for professional development and growth
3. The chance to make a difference in the Essex schools and settings we support
If you are passionate about applying psychology to support the educational and emotional well-being of children and young people, we would love to hear from you.
Essex Educational Psychology
Our Educational Psychologists (EPs) are a friendly, dynamic, progressive, research-informed and solution-oriented team, committed to applying psychology to improve lives and create positive change. Our EPs are reflective and committed to continuous professional and practice development. As an Essex Educational Psychologist, you will benefit from our supportive, collegiate environment and enjoy working collaboratively with multi-agency partners and professional colleagues to deliver innovative approaches to meeting the needs of rapidly growing and diverse school communities across our county. The model of service delivery in Essex reflects our commitment to early-intervention, consultation, training, inclusion, social justice and building strong relationships with our schools/settings and communities.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to join a large, progressive and committed team of practitioner psychologists. As an Essex EP you will be supported via a comprehensive induction process and an exemplary programme of ongoing clinical supervision. You will also benefit from an excellent continuing professional development programme which includes joint CPD days and some opportunities for personal CPD days (pro-rata) each year. This includes a Projects and Research conference with presentations from innovative national and regional speakers as well as updates on research projects from within the service.
Essex has excellent links with doctoral training programmes and a number of our Essex EPs are also academic and professional tutors. As a main grade EP, you will have the chance to develop your practice with support and guidance from our team of senior specialist colleagues, who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, applying evidence-based approaches, and developing psychologically based interventions. Ongoing projects also include VIG, and ELSA. Our Educational Psychologists also provide support and guidance to schools and settings following a Critical Incident. In addition, there are opportunities to develop your own special interests by working alongside Essex’s SEND Strategic Leads relating to specific areas of SEND.
We are looking for candidates who
4. Hold a Doctorate or a Masters degree in Professional Educational Psychology;
5. Are registered with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist or will be eligible for registration with the HCPC at the end of their training.
6. Are eligible for Graduate membership with the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS).
7. Have a good understanding of relevant legislation and evidence-based approaches and interventions
8. Are committed to applying psychology to make a difference to the lives of children and young people in Essex.
Benefits
Essex County Council will support you with a competitive benefits package that is underpinned by our ambitious People Plan. Within this plan we set out our commitment to provide an exceptional work/life balance for every Essex County Council employee, including lifestyle-friendly working patterns and generous annual leave.
You will also have access to
9. A welcome payment of up to £5,000 plus a possible relocation package of up to £8,000 (terms and conditions for both payments apply).
10. Money-off high street purchases via the Essex Extras Reward Scheme.
11. Flexible benefits such as the option to purchase additional holiday, plus a lease car scheme.
12. Paid HCPC registration.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. 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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