Durham County Council - Educational Psychologists

New full and part time posts available as a result of new investment in our Educational Psychology team.

This is a fantastic role where you will make a real difference in supporting the inclusion of children and young people, and where you will be part of a large and supportive team.

We are keen to hear from Educational Psychology Trainees expecting to qualify and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the next 12-18 months, and from qualified Educational Psychologists.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?
Our Educational Psychology team provides a wide range of interventions and projects within schools and Early Years Settings. It sits within the broader context of a vibrant Specialist SEND and Inclusion Service with a range of psychology led multidisciplinary teams offering excellent professional development and career opportunities. In this role you would be expected to provide a good balance of statutory work and early intervention and preventative services.

HOW WILL I BE SUPPORTED?
We are passionate about our people and offer a great working environment. When you join our service you can expect:

• An excellent induction package, adjusted to suit your needs. For example. if you are joining us just after qualification, or from overseas your induction will include a reduced patch and additional support/mentoring from an experienced Educational Psychologist.
• High quality supervision as well as peer support.
• Our commitment to supporting your wellbeing and personal development.
• Our support for a working pattern which suits you, whether that is full time working, part-time working or compressed hours (for example a 9-day fortnight).
• Our support to have a great work/life balance, with flexible working options including an attractive time off in lieu policy.
• Our support to follow your own professional interests through a strong programme of continuing professional development, dedicated project time and opportunities to undertake research.
• An opportunity to choose your office base, working from our central office or one of our family hubs with free car parking, and hot desks available across the County.
• A hybrid model of work which combines office-based working and working from home.
• A co located dedicated business administration team to support your work.
• Recognition of any SPA points you already hold, and encouragement and proactive support to reach any additional SPA points as you become eligible. 
  
  We encourage you to contact Joanne Underwood or Vicki Ferguson, 2 of our Area Principal Educational Psychologists for an informal discussion about the role before you apply. You can contact Joanne by e-mail at joanne.underwood@durham.gov.uk or by telephone on 03000 263 320. You can contact Vicki by e-mail at vicki.ferguson@durham.gov.uk or by telephone on 03000 263 721
   
  You can also read more about what it’s like to work as an Educational Psychologist in County Durham here.

WHAT WILL I NEED?
To apply you will need to have a first degree in Psychology and a recognised post graduate qualification in Educational Psychology and be able to meet the requirements for registration with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) or be working towards this qualification. 

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure.

BENEFITS AND REWARDS
We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:

• Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
• Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
• Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
• Hybrid working (home and office working).
• Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
• Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
• Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
• Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
• Discounted DCC gym membership.
• Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
• Trade Union membership.
• A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.

Take a closer look at our rewards and benefits here. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

If you are looking to relocate from within the UK or from overseas to join us, relocation expenses of up to £8,000 may be available to you (plus sponsorship costs for overseas applicants).

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION 
Take a closer look here.

INTERVIEWS
We will review applications regularly and agree a mutually convenient date and time for interviews with shortlisted candidates. 

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

HOW TO APPLY 
Please follow the link below to North East Jobs for the full advert and to apply for this vacancy.