About the role
North Northamptonshire Educational Psychology Service (EPS) is a relatively new service which has become established from what was previously the Northamptonshire EPS, due to local government re-organisation. We currently have three area teams working from our base in Kettering. We are looking for motivated, committed, and passionate Educational Psychologists (EPs) to come and join us at this exciting time to help us shape our future. We are interested in applications from experienced EPs and those at an earlier stage of their career – and psychologists currently on educational psychology doctoral training programmes who are due to qualify in September 2024.
North Northamptonshire EPS is a consultation-based, solution-oriented, and child-centered service rooted in Positive Psychology. The service provides core work, including Early Years, Critical Incident, and statutory input for the Local Authority; and commissioned work at the individual, group and organisational level to schools and other settings, which have recently included Social Care and Public Health. The service has enhanced posts for Social Inclusion and for leading our Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS) programme, which includes a broad and extensive centralised training offer provided jointly with the West Northamptonshire EPS, with whom we also run the Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) programme. We promote emotional wellbeing for staff working in schools through our training, coaching and supervision offer. In order to continue to consistently provide up to date evidence-based support to our clients, an on-going comprehensive CPD programme is available for all members of the EPS. This is supported through our close connections with university EP doctoral courses. Recent CPD has included Dynamic Assessment, as we strive to work more inclusively, effectively and with a strong anti-racist approach to our work. We are actively planning to develop our offer to schools to include the Mediated Learning Support Assistant (MeLSA) programme for the 2024-25 academic year.
In recent years, the service has employed a number of Psychology Assistants to work on social inclusion projects making a difference to marginalised and excluded children and young people in our schools. Many of these Psychology Assistants have then successfully progressed to gain places on doctorate courses, and two of these colleagues have also since progressed into employment with us. We also support the development of new staff to our profession through providing placements for TEPs, who almost always then go on to take-up employment with us post qualification. We currently host two Y2 TEPs and, two Y3 TEPs all of whom maintain full membership of our service.
What will you be doing?
The successful applicant will be responsible for the delivery of psychological services to their area-based patch of schools and early years settings, as well as for providing a manageable number of EHC Needs Assessments across North Northamptonshire. Also, there are opportunities to provide training and contribute to (or lead) countywide initiatives and projects. We will provide you with a comprehensive induction programme and additional support if you are a newly qualified EP.
We are very proud of our effective, friendly and supportive service, and you will be working alongside other professionals to maintain our standards and achievements. We are significantly involved in leading the current drive within the LA to maximise inclusion in our local educational settings. We are currently leading on developing and co-producing an Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) strategy involving representatives from across stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people, through meeting increasing demand in accessing our services.
For further information about our service, please do visit our website: Educational Psychology Service | North Northamptonshire Council (northnorthants.gov.uk)
About you
We are seeking innovative, enthusiastic and committed Educational Psychologists to join our highly valued professional team. We will be pleased to receive your application if you have: -
- a track record of initiative and innovation;
- willingness to contribute to service-wide change;
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
- an ability to work collaboratively with different professionals;
- a supportive approach to team working.
The EPS supports flexible working, including from home, through full IT provision and modern office accommodation.
Applicants must be professionally qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) unless currently in training. North Northamptonshire EPS is a Safer Recruitment service, and all successful candidates will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. North Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We welcome applications from educational psychologists from ethnic minority communities.
Closing date for applications is Sunday 17th December 2023 (midnight). Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be scheduled early in January at a mutually convenient time.
For an informal discussion, please contact Mike Simons, Principal Educational Psychologist mike.simons@northnorthants.gov.uk 07912 187268; or one of our Senior EPs (SEPs): -
cliff.turner@northnorthants.gov.uk, team manager for Kettering/Rushden.
yvonne.needham@northnorthants.gov.uk, team manager for Corby /East Northants.
rebecca.judge@northnorthants.gov.uk team manager for Wellingborough.
Our benefits
We offer:
- a competitive salary
- a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
- opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
- generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
- agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.
About us
We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.
Our priorities are:
- helping people live active fulfilled lives
- caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
- enabling a thriving and successful economy
- leading on a green and sustainable environment
- ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
- providing modern public services
Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.
Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.
We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.
Attached documents
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