Principal Educational Psychologist

Job Introduction

About Us

Together, we’re inspiring young minds.

Join us as we transform the lives of children and young families in Oxfordshire.

Together, we’re the moment makers and we’re focussed on making every day the best it can be for children, young people and their families. It’s not a job – it’s a passion and together, we’re shaping education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of our residents of Oxfordshire and helping them to live the lives they want to live by ensuring every child has the best possible education.  

With this goal in mind, we have made a significant investment to the Special Educational Needs (SEND) service in Oxfordshire.  In support of our growth, we are recruiting to a number of significant positions, which includes the appointment of a Principal Educational Psychologist. 

Our Oxfordshire Educational Psychology Service is a well-established, highly regarded and supportive team of Educational Psychologists, Assistant Educational Psychologists and dedicated administrative support staff. 

We benefit from close links with training courses and value the contribution of Trainee Educational Psychologists bring to the service. The service is divided into three area teams, with a strong group of Senior Educational Psychologists leading these teams. 

All of our Educational Psychologists have a balance of traded and statutory work, working collaboratively with parent and carers, educational setting staff, professionals, to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people. The service also leads and contributes to wider SEND initiatives, such as the Relational Schools Programme and ELSA training.

As Principal Educational Psychologist you will play a crucial role in providing strategic, operational leadership and management support to the Oxfordshire Educational Psychology Service to deliver a range of psychological services for children, young people, their families and schools.

About the Role

The Principal Educational Psychologist is part of the wider SEND Senior Management Team providing opportunities to make a significant contribution to strategic planning across the SEND and wider education service.

In this role, as the strategic lead of the Educational Psychology (EP) service, you will aim to improve the learning and achievement for children and young people with SEND, working with SEND Managers, wider Education colleagues and other service areas, partners and key stakeholders.

In addition, you will work with teams to use family and child centred approaches that work in partnership with parents, children and young people with SEND, embracing the principles of Early Support that will provide a high quality and flexible service.

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND, and possess the skills and experience required, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position. 

Join our team of dedicated professionals and contribute to the ongoing improvement of SEND outcomes in Oxfordshire during this exciting time of growth and transformation. 

About you 

• Always learning: you’ll have a degree (or equivalent) in Psychology and post-graduate qualification in Educational Psychology, with a thorough understanding of SEND legislation.
• Kind and caring: you’ll be a natural leader with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities, strengths, and diverse backgrounds.
• Advocating for equality and integrity: you’ll bring the knowledge to champion good practice, with a proven ability to develop trusted, positive relationships. 
• Willing to take responsibility: to support and develop your team to deliver on the vision of Oxfordshire County Council, driving continual improvements and ensuring financial stability in terms of budget.  
• Driven to do things differently: as a confident Educational Psychologist you are someone who has the knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to vulnerable children and families to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Deborah Smit (Head of SEND) on deborah.smit@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

Rewards and Benefits

• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays)
• Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - up to 19.9% employer contribution
• Flexible working 
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7
• Enhanced family friendly policies 
• Childcare vouchers, electric car scheme, cycle to work scheme, staff discount scheme for a range of retailers, holidays, insurance, restaurants, health & leisure activities and rail travel
• Excellent leadership learning and development opportunities
• Explore more here 

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk