Vacancy Details

Description

CHILDRENS & JOINT COMMISSIONING SERVICES DEPARTMENT

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY / EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS                                                                                                         REF 105800

Band: Soulbury Scale A Points 3 – 6 (Plus up to 3 SPA Points)

 So many reasons to work in Hartlepool!

 

Making a difference through early intervention

We have well established SLAs with 95% of all schools in the borough.  As a team of 10 EPs (7.7FTE) and 3 Trainee EPs, we are able to build close relationships with our 36 schools and their families, through a generous allocation to each setting.  A typical full time EP would have a patch of 6 schools, many of whom buy a day a week.  Even our smaller schools with only 100 children buy in on average 12 visits per year.  Such regularity of input lends itself to our plan-do-review model of service delivery, with consultation and assessment leading to meaningful intervention over time.  In addition, this leads to opportunities for creative and varied work at the individual, group and whole school level. 

Manageable statutory case load

As a result of our high levels of early intervention work, our statutory case numbers are relatively low.  A full time maingrade EP would typically complete 14 statutory assessments in an academic year, mostly of children already known to them.  The two person-centred planning meetings that take place as part of the statutory assessment process, together with pre-existing relationships and knowledge of the family leads to satisfying, positive and effective experiences for all involved.

Opportunities for continuous development

Links with Newcastle University are strong. Trainees from all three year groups form a consistent and significant part of the team and their value and contribution is recognised. Current members of the team support the Doctorate course at Newcastle through acting as tutors, guest teachers and Fieldwork Tutors.   This role will include opportunity to supervise Year 1 TEPs

Within the wider team individual strengths, interests and expertise are acknowledged, valued and utilised to their best effect in meeting service needs.   Professionals are truly challenged to apply psychology with creativity and innovation.

Opportunities to take part in joint work and lead projects are frequent.  In the past year alone we have led on projects for the DFE, What works in Children’s Social Care, Health Education England and Public Health England, applying psychology to meet our current profile of need post COVID.  It is envisaged that this post will add to that COVID recovery programme.

Team Wellbeing  

We look to promote positive relationships and support wellbeing for all.  This is established through a hybrid working pattern that brings flexibility and life/work balance alongside all the positives of being closely connected and a sense of belonging within a positive team.

Aspiration: the Hartlepool Psychology Team is determined to continue striving to find new and ever better ways to achieve. The challenge to think and plan together to find new and exciting possibilities, within a professionally robust framework, is constant. Our time is not constrained by statutory processes, rather it is informed by intelligent and considered reflections about ways forward to improve outcomes for children and young people.  Be Inspired!

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.  As such these posts are subject to safer recruitment measures and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are therefore required.

For further information please contact Kathryn Crowder, Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist on 01429 523306 or via e-mail – kathryn.crowder@hartlepool.gov.uk

Closing date: 2nd April 2023, midnight

In order to apply for this vacancy, you must be able to supply the required answers to the following questions: