Devon County Council - Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist

Are you passionate about using psychology to improve outcomes for children and young people? Are you looking for an opportunity to be part of a transformative redesign of Inclusion & Learning in Devon?

Devon Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is a well-established, lively and thriving EP community, that is central to developing and delivering inclusive communities in Devon.

We are looking for a Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist to provide strong and inclusive strategic and operational leadership for the Devon EPS.

Why work for us?

• Devon County Council is on a mission to create a child-centred and future-focused inclusive education system. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced educational psychologist to be part of this change. You will work with the senior leadership team to provide impactful support through needs-led practice and relational, effective leadership.
• Our Devon SEND Transformation Programme is well underway and our new Local Area SEND Strategy highlights a turning point for the partnership in improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with SEND.
• We are ambitious for Devon and our people. We have a clear vision and strategic plan to guide our actions and decisions. We want to create a prosperous, resilient, and healthy county, where people can fulfil their potential and enjoy a high quality of life. We are committed to tackling the challenges and opportunities that face us, such as climate change, population growth, increased demand on Childrens services, and digital transformation.
• We are also committed to our principles and behaviours, which shape how we work and interact with each other and our stakeholders. We are honest, respectful, courageous, and solutions focused. We value diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be collaborative, innovative, and accountable. We are proud of our achievements, and we learn from our mistakes. We are always looking for ways to improve and develop ourselves and our services.
• The EPS priorities are focused on enhancing the inclusive capacity of schools and settings, delivering high quality and timely statutory services, developing effective early intervention and working in partnership with families, schools and partners. You would play a central role in this.
• The EPS is a critical service which influences, develops and delivers strategic priorities across Devon aimed at improving outcomes for children and families including Devon’s Ordinary Available Inclusive Provision and the Attendance and EBSA support project.
• We have a thriving ‘Psychology Works’ traded service offer which includes Consultation and Review, training and supervision.
• We are committed to supporting career development and have a range of roles within the service including undergraduate psychology placements, Assistant EPs, Main grade EPs, Specialist Senior EPs, Senior EPs and associate EPs, alongside strong links with our Specialist Support Services.
• Wellbeing and a healthy work-life balance is important to us.
  
  This is the role: Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist
  Alongside the Principal EP...
• You will support the strategic planning and development of the EPS  and lead the operational delivery of statutory and traded services, ensuring they are financially sustainable, high quality, needs led and balanced.
• You will use psychological theory and research to support the leadership of the EPS and to develop and inform evidence-based needs-led practice to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• You will support the meaningful involvement of families in service development and evaluation as part of the council’s commitment to co-production, putting residents first and children at the heart of our practice.
• You will implement a workforce development plan across the EPS, leading to the recruitment and retention of high-calibre staff, ensuring employees develop the appropriate skills and knowledge to fulfil their duties effectively.
• You will contribute to quality assurance and monitoring to ensure services are delivered to time and are high quality and value for money.
• You will provide line management and supervision.
  
  These are the benefits:
  We offer an attractive package of benefits, including:
• Generous annual leave allowance of 43 days plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension  and Employee benefits Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities with an Exeter office base
• Well-structured induction programme and strong CPD offer
• High quality individual supervision distinct from line management
• Paid HCPC registration
   
  Anything else I should know?
  To find out more about the Educational Psychology Service please visit our website.
  If you would like an informal conversation, please contact Dr Rachel Hearn, Head of Educational Psychology and Specialist Support Services (Principal EP) Rachel.Hearn@Devon.gov.uk 
  
  An enhanced DBS with ABL and CBL check is required for this post.
  Applicants must be professionally qualified and registered with the HCPC.
  Applicants must hold a full current driving licence and have access to a vehicle for regular business use.