Job info	Job info details
Job title	Assistant Educational Psychologist
Strategic team/Directorate	Children's Services
Service	Educational Psychology Service
Business unit	Children’s Services
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Senior Educational Psychologist
Accountable to (line manager)	Principal Educational Psychologist
Salary grade	Soulbury Assistant Educational Psychologist Scale 2-5

1. Key purpose of job

• To support the delivery of Torbay Educational Psychology Service activity for children and young people aged 0–25 through the application of psychology within a graduated approach to inclusion, early intervention and prevention, in accordance with the service’s Experts at Hand delivery plan. 
• To assist Educational Psychologists with psychological assessments, consultations, interventions and training to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 
• To develop professional knowledge, skills and experience in preparation for future training as an Educational Psychologist, whilst contributing to the delivery of a high-quality, responsive and evidence-informed service across Torbay. This is a fixed term contract with the expectation that the successful applicant will apply to gain a place on the Educational Psychology Doctorate course either after the first or second year of employment.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

• Children, young people, families and educational settings receive timely psychological support which contributes to improved learning, wellbeing, participation and inclusion. 
• The Educational Psychology Service is strengthened through accurate data collection, effective project support, training, evaluation and service development activity, leading to evidence-informed service delivery.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

• As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services.
• Contribute to psychological assessment processes through observation, consultation, information gathering, analysis and direct work with children and young people under supervision. 
• Support delivery of evidence-informed interventions for individual children and groups under the direction and supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist. 
• Work collaboratively with children, young people, families, schools, early years settings, colleges and partner agencies to support inclusive practice. 
• Support the delivery of Torbay's neurodiversity and inclusion initiatives, including contributing to the Experts at Hand model and associated projects. 
• Contribute to Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) initiatives, including administration, evaluation, resource development and training support. 
• Assist in the planning, delivery and evaluation of training and workforce development activities for educational settings and partner agencies. 
• Contribute to service-based research, audits, project work and outcome evaluation activities. 
• Maintain accurate records, case notes and databases in accordance with service procedures, information governance requirements and statutory guidance. 
• Use service systems to record activity and support reporting requirements. 
• Participate fully in supervision, appraisal, continuing professional development and team meetings. 
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and participation in all aspects of work. 
• Work within professional competencies, seek guidance appropriately and maintain ethical standards in line with British Psychological Society expectations.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

• No direct budget management responsibility. 
• Responsible for the appropriate and cost-effective use of council resources and equipment. 
• Contribute to the efficient use of service resources through effective planning and organisation of delegated work.

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

• No direct line management responsibility. 
• Receive regular professional supervision from a qualified Educational Psychologist.

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

• Hybrid role involving work from council offices, educational settings and community venues across Torbay.
• Regular travel across the Bay to schools, early years settings, colleges and partner organisations.
• Frequent contact with school staff, colleagues and partner professionals to support the delivery of Educational Psychology Services.
• Occasional contact with children and young people with a range of learning, developmental and additional needs in the course of assessment, intervention and service delivery activities.

7. Physical demands of the post

• Frequent travel between locations across Torbay. 
• Regular use of display screen equipment and prolonged periods of report writing and record keeping. 
• Occasional floor-based observation and interaction work within early years and educational settings.

8. Specific resources used by the post

• Council ICT equipment, databases and case management systems.
• Psychological assessment materials, intervention resources and training materials.
• Personal vehicle or other authorised transport arrangements for business travel.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External:

• Children and young people.
• Parents and carers. 
• Schools, academies and Multi-Academy Trusts. 
• Early years settings. 
• Further education providers. 
• Health professionals. 
• Social care professionals.
• Voluntary and community sector organisations. 
• Regional Educational Psychology Services.

Internal:

• Principal Educational Psychologist. 
• Senior Educational Psychologists. 
• Educational Psychologists. 
• Trainee Educational Psychologists. 
• SEND Team. 
• Children's Services colleagues. 

 

10. Other duties

• To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

• All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy.
• Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
• The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures and are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Children's Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council.
• The post is eligible for both hybrid and permanent home working.
• You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
• As this post meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check (Disclosure) from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of ALL cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, whether “spent” or “unspent”. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post.
• The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement. 
• The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
• The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
• The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
• If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
• If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Assistant Educational Psychologist
Strategic team/Directorate	Children's Services
Service	Educational Psychology Service
Business unit	Children’s Services

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with children, families and professionals.
• Ability to gather, analyse and summarise information from multiple sources.
• Ability to undertake observations, assessments and interventions under supervision and where training has been given.
• Effective organisational skills, including the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively within multi-agency environments.
• Ability to plan and contribute to training, projects and evaluation activities.
• Excellent digital and ICT skills.
• Commitment to reflective practice, supervision and professional development. 
• Ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

• Experience of delivering training or presentations.
• Experience of project, research or evaluation activities.
• Knowledge of data analysis and outcome evaluation methods.

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

• Psychological knowledge meeting the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership/Registration requirements of the British Psychological Society.
• Knowledge of psychological theories relevant to learning, development, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive practice.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.

Desirable knowledge

• Knowledge of current educational and SEND developments.
• Knowledge of neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Understanding of consultation and systemic approaches.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

• Experience of working with children and young people aged 0–25.
• Experience of applying psychological knowledge within educational, community or related settings.
• Experience of working collaboratively with families and professionals.
• Experience of supporting children and young people with SEND or additional needs.

Desirable experience and achievements

• Experience within a Local Authority or educational setting.
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Experience of research, audit, evaluation or project work.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

• Honours Degree in Psychology (2:1 or above preferred) or equivalent qualification conferring Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership/Registration with the British Psychological Society.
• Eligibility to apply for Doctoral training in Educational Psychology.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

• Membership of the British Psychological Society.
• Relevant postgraduate study.

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ability to travel efficiently across Torbay and neighbouring areas to undertake duties.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet service needs.
• Willingness to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice.

Other Information 

• This post is eligible for hybrid working in accordance with Torbay Council policies.
• The post holder will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment.
• It is anticipated that Assistant Educational Psychologists will actively pursue progression towards professional training as Educational Psychologists.