Educational Psychologist

Educational Psychologist

North West

£50,000 - £70,000 DOE

Full Time, Permanent, Hybrid

Excellent company benefits

We are currently recruiting for an Educational Psychologist in the North West of England. This is a full-time, hybrid working role and the successful candidate will be expected to travel for at least 3 face-to-face assessments per week.

Purpose of the role

To liaise with parents/carers to make arrangements to complete directly commissioned psychological assessments in a suitable location, such as schools, family homes and meeting rooms.

To complete face-to-face psychological needs assessments for young people with a range of needs, aged 0-25 years.

To provide professionally written psychological advice to an exceptional standard, detailing psychological conclusions, with specific and quantifiable provision, within a timely manner, following company templates.

To liaise with SEND advocates, school staff, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Paediatricians, and other professionals to ensure a holistic understanding of the young person you are commissioned to support.

To attend remote SEND Tribunals as an Expert Witness for which training will be given, if required.

To form and maintain effective working relationships with Head Teachers, SENDCo’s, Teaching staff, Tutors and home education providers across the country.

To go above and beyond an assessment and report to ensure support is obtained for the young person you are working for.

Responsibilities of the role

• To travel to a range of locations, within an agreed vicinity from your home, to complete face-to-face psychological assessments.
• To provide professional psychological reports to exceptional legal standards in a timely and efficient manner, keeping to tight deadlines.
• To ensure honesty, SEND experience and psychological knowledge underpins all recommendations, regardless of red tape, provision availability or funding constraints.
• To work collaboratively with parents/carers, education providers and other professionals, to ensure a thorough understanding of the young person’s needs.
• To liaise with LA EPs to discuss disputed provisions within your report and to liaise with SEND Law Advocates.
• To attend Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTs), as commissioned within young people’s EHCPs, at the request of parents/carers.
• To assist in the reviewing of provision through EHCP Annual Review, where commissioned by parents/carers.
• To attend SEND Tribunals and defend your professional advice, if required and to maintain record keeping in line with GDPR.
• To identify personal development needs and access training opportunities, to support and enhance service provision

Essential/Desirable Skills

• Qualified Educational Psychologist and HCPC Registered
• Experienced in the use of psychometric assessments
• Experience using the Q-Interactive platform for completing assessments
• Experience with complex casework involving young people out of education
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to young people and their families,as well as other professionals
• An ability to apply a range of up-to-date psychological models when working with children and young people with additional needs
• Up-to-date knowledge of current national legislation relating to SEND
• Experience in writing high-quality psychological reports
• Experience writing psychological reports to legal standard for evidence at SEND Tribunal hearings
• Experience working within a range of educational settings, such as nurseries, schools, colleges, and tutoring services.
• Experience carrying out assessments in private homes
• Ability to demonstrate independence/ self-management, organisational and record-keeping skills
• Knowledge of a range of diagnoses such as Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorder, Specific Learning difficulties, Trauma and Attachment Selective Mutism, and Mental Health Disorders.
• Knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stages, National Curriculum stages, and a range of qualification options including Functional Skills, Entry Levels, and ASDAN.
• Experience working with professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Paediatricians.
• Ability to negotiate strengths and areas for development
• Passion and willingness for self-learning and professional development
• Knowledge and experience of Tribunal casework and Experience of managing a high caseload
• Experience working to tight deadlines and experience of attending SEND tribunals
• Must hold a full, current and valid driving licence and a vehicle with a current valid MOT certificate with adequate insurance and the ability to travel across England and North Wales.

Benefits of the role

28 days paid annual leave per annum, travel expenses and mileage allowance.

Pension contributions.
Working from home with the flexibility to work hours.
Autonomy over caseload.
Weekly supervision.
A supportive team.
Administration support.
Regular training opportunities to develop areas of specialist interests.

If you are interested in applying for the role or would like any more information, please contact Kay at Connect Care Recruitment.