Educational Psychologist

We're growing - join our expanding Educational Psychology Team at Central Bedfordshire Council. At Central Bedfordshire Council, we are proud to be growing - and growing with ambition. We are continuing to invest in our Educational Psychology Service (EPS), and this is your opportunity to be part of something exciting, meaningful, and future-focused. We are committed to early intervention, with strong and resolute backing from senior leaders across the Local Authority. We are fully committed to our non-statutory Link EP model through our team around the school systemic approach and consultation-based service delivery model, with time protected project work. We are proud to be moving forward in how we support children and young people more effectively - and we're just getting started. Our Educational Psychologists collaborate closely with SEND Advisors, Sensory Impairment Specialists and Special School Outreach Practitioners to make a real difference in young lives. What we are proud of We're expanding our Link EP model to ensure that every school has access to EP consultations as well as other early intervention projects and activities guided by the principles of co-production. This collaborative approach has already helped us successfully roll out Therapeutic Thinking and EPs are currently training and developing NVR support to schools and families, upholding our commitment to embedding relational approaches across the Local Authority. As part of our successful project work (granted funded by the DfE), we have recently developed a new Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance guidance document and training package, which was co-produced with our families in CBC, as well as a new SCERTS training offer for all schools and settings delivered across a multiagency team including EPs. We have also had direct involvement with the training and implementation of ARC project in collaboration with the Virtual School, Emotion Coaching, NVR and ELSA. We prioritise your professional development, with ringfenced CPD time, individual and group supervision, research opportunities, and a strong focus on providing a reflective space for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. As an Educational Psychologist with us, you will:

• Deliver both statutory and non-statutory EP services across schools and settings.
• Plan and deliver impactful training and interventions for schools, parents/carers, children, young people and other teams.
• Achieve positive, sustainable change by working with key adults around children.
• Collaborate with and be supported by an established and skilled team of Assistant Educational Psychologists.
• Develop specialisms aligned with service priorities and the LA's strategic vision.
• Conduct action research, participation projects and service user evaluations.
About you You will need a recognised postgraduate training qualification in Educational Psychology or will have this qualification when you join us. You will meet the requirements for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as an applied psychologist as well as having the qualifications to hold a BPS chartered membership. We warmly welcome Year 2/3 trainee EPs and encourage applications from groups underrepresented in the profession. We're shaping Psychology in the community We are building a locality model to embed psychology in the heart of our communities, and value exploring opportunities to embed psychology within the communities we work in to facilitate positive and powerful change for the children and young people we support. If you're passionate about making meaningful impact through community-focused practice, you'll thrive here. We will provide you with:
• A comprehensive induction package, including a bespoke relational focused training opportunity for all colleagues within Children's Services.
• Hybrid working and excellent office facilities.
• Free onsite parking and full IT support.
• 12 days ringfenced CPD time (pro rata).
• A culture of collaboration, support and wellbeing.
• High-quality supervision and peer support., Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers and contractors to share this commitment. This post is subject to the disclosure of criminal records.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline. Your application to us is a reflection of who you are professionally and should give us an accurate and authentic picture of your skills, experiences and if applicable qualifications. Before you submit your application, we will ask you to confirm if you have used AI. All new starters will join us on a four-month probationary period. During this time, if you are offered a Hybrid role you will be required to attend a Central Bedfordshire Council office location more frequently to support thorough and well-supported onboarding into your role. Please keep this in mind if you anticipate extensive travel to Central Bedfordshire. Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for our roles. Successful applicants that may require a visa will need to consider the options for obtaining and/or maintaining the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the contract offered. Free information, advice and guidance into work or learning provides free, impartial, information advice and guidance to those aged 16+ looking to get into work, learning or exploring a change of career.