Job Summary The Educational Psychologist will play a central role within the Health, Therapies and Families Service, supporting children and young people aged 5-25 with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, SEND, developmental trauma and neurodiversity. Working as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team, the postholder will use psychological theory and evidence-based practice to promote learning, emotional wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes.
Through assessment, consultation, formulation and intervention, the role will support children, families and professionals to develop a shared understanding of strengths and needs, ensuring coordinated and holistic support across education and residential settings. The Educational Psychologist will contribute to embedding psychologically informed, trauma-aware and relational approaches across the Foundation.
In addition, the role will support statutory processes, partnership working and service development, while providing professional leadership and contributing to staff development. Overall, the postholder will help ensure that psychological knowledge is effectively translated into meaningful improvements in the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families.
Main duties of the jobKey Responsibilities:- Provide Educational Psychology services within the Foundation and as part of an external services offer
- Plan and deliver psychological assessment, consultation and intervention, offering advice to support learning, behaviour and wellbeing
Leadership:- Offer professional support and oversight to the Health, Therapies and Families Team (HTFTs) through consultation, training, supervision and reflective practice
- Lead on the development and delivery of psychologically informed, trauma-aware and inclusive practice across the Foundation
Professional:- Adhere to professional and regulatory body standards (e.g., HCPC, BPS)
Assessment, Collaborative Planning and Evaluation:- Conduct psychological and educational assessments with children, young people and families
- Contribute to EHCPs, IEPs and personalised learning plans, ensuring psychological and educational recommendations support access to learning
Collaboration and Advocacy:- Work collaboratively with children, families, education staff, health professionals and social care teams to develop effective, evidence-based interventions
- Liaise with external agencies to support access to appropriate services and resources
Documentation, Communication and Reporting:- Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with safeguarding, GDPR and data protection requirements
About usWilliam Henry Smith Foundation is a not-for-profit registered charity committed to transforming lives and breaking down barriers, empowering every individual to reach their full potential. We exist to improve outcomes for children and young adults who experience social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, providing outstanding provision through high-quality working, living and learning environments.
Everything we do is rooted in strong, trusting relationships and a psychologically and trauma-informed approach. By placing care, compassion and consistency at the centre of its work, we create safe and supportive environments where children and young adults feel valued, understood and able to engage, grow and thrive.
At the heart of the Foundations work is a holistic, personalised approach that recognises each individuals unique strengths, needs and aspirations. Through tailored support and nurturing environments, we enrich the lives of children and young adults, while also supporting their families, its people and the wider community. This approach ensures that everyone feels safe, valued and a deep sense of belonging.
Working closely with LA, partners, schools and community organisations, the Foundation delivers outstanding education, care and therapeutic services that create lasting and meaningful impact.
With a strong commitment to excellence, inclusion and wellbeing, we continue to champion positive change and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Job responsibilitiesSafeguarding: The William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The foundation has effective child and adult protection policies which provide clear directions to staff and others about expected codes of behaviour in dealing with safeguarding issues. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced DBS check, this is a position working in regulated activity. The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour at all times. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025. The Foundation is also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.Overview of the Role:The Educational Psychologist will play a central role within the Health, Therapies and Families Service, supporting children and young people aged 5-25 with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health, SEMH needs, SEND, developmental trauma and neurodiversity. Working as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team, the postholder will use psychological theory and evidence-based practice to promote learning, emotional wellbeing, inclusion and positive outcomes.
Through assessment, consultation, formulation and intervention, the role will support children, families and professionals to develop a shared understanding of strengths and needs, ensuring coordinated and holistic support across education and residential settings. The Educational Psychologist will contribute to embedding psychologically informed, trauma-aware and relational approaches across the Foundation.
In addition, the role will support statutory processes, partnership working and service development, while providing professional leadership and contributing to staff development. Overall, the postholder will help ensure that psychological knowledge is effectively translated into meaningful improvements in the experiences and outcomes of children, young people and their families.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Provide Educational Psychology services within the Foundation and as part of an external services offer.
- Provide professional leadership to the Health, Therapies and Families Service under the direction of the Head of Therapeutic Practice and Health.
- Provide psychological, educational and practical support to children, young people, families, staff teams and other professionals working both within and external to the Foundation.
- Plan and deliver psychological assessment, consultation and intervention, offering advice to support learning, behaviour and well-being.
- Offer psychological support to children, young people, families and staff systems through onsite, offsite and remote delivery e.g., Zoom, Teams.
- Contribute to the multidisciplinary team, providing psychological and educational input and supporting team development.
- Contribute to preparation for adulthood supporting transition into post 16 education, employment training and independent living for young people.
- Liaise with Foundation staff to enhance their understanding of children and young peoples learning, behaviour and emotional needs.
- Represent the Foundation professionally when working with external agencies to advocate for children, young people and families.
- Support the Smith Foundation within the arena of SEN and Disability tribunals and other court hearings as appropriate, and as relevant to their role of providing professional advice.
- Uphold the Foundations Quality of Life, psychologically informed and Positive Behaviour Support ethos in all interactions.
- Model reflective practice, self-care and positive wellbeing in line with the Foundations ethos.
- Promote diversity, collaboration, equality and inclusion across the organisation.
Leadership- Offer professional support and oversight to the Health, Therapies and Families Team HTFTs through consultation, training, supervision and reflective practice.
- Plan and supervise the work of assistant psychologists, trainee psychologists and students, supporting their development and placements.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of policy and service improvements relating to Educational Psychology and psychologically informed practice.
- Work with clinical and operational leads to support the planning, organisation, audit and development of service delivery.
- Provide supervision to MDT colleagues where appropriate.
- Deliver training and professional development to staff teams.
- Contribute to audit, service evaluation and research activity.
- Lead on the development and delivery of psychologically informed, trauma-aware and inclusive practice across the Foundation.
- Undertake psychological and educational assessments and contribute to complex multidisciplinary formulations.
- Deliver and oversee individual, group and systemic interventions.
- Provide specialist consultation on learning, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and inclusion.
- Contribute to recruitment processes, including shortlisting and interviewing where appropriate.
- Undertake project management, including audit, research and service evaluation, to support service development.
- Prepare and present findings from audits, evaluation and research to internal and external audiences.
- Support the ongoing development of the Health, Therapies and Families Service to ensure high-quality provision.
Professional- Adhere to professional and regulatory body standards e.g., HCPC, BPS.
- Engage in regular professional supervision in line with HCPC and BPS guidance.
- Undertake continuing professional development CPD and share learning across the organisation.
- Contribute to research, evaluation and publication activity where appropriate.
- Use psychological theory and evidence-based practice to inform work.
- Contribute to the development and review of Foundation policies and procedures.
- Maintain high standards of Educational Psychology practice through networking and collaboration.
- Participate in line management supervision and performance development processes.
- Keep up to date with legislation, policy and guidance e.g., SEND Code of Practice, safeguarding frameworks.
Assessment, Collaborative Planning and Evaluation- Conduct psychological and educational assessments with children, young people and families.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of intervention plans aligned with individual and family goals.
- Contribute to EHCPs, IEPs and personalised learning plans, ensuring psychological and educational recommendations support access to learning.
- Reflect on progress with colleagues to develop effective strategies.
- Communicate complex assessment findings clearly to families, young people and professionals.
- Support the implementation of PBS and psychologically informed approaches, ensuring dignity, inclusion and rights.
- Develop and implement outcome measures for individuals and the wider service.
Collaboration and Advocacy- Work collaboratively with children, families, education staff, health professionals and social care teams to develop effective, evidence-based interventions.
- Liaise with external agencies to support access to appropriate services and resources.
- Support the Foundation to develop and extend its offer within and beyond the organisation.
- Provide guidance and support in complex or crisis situations, ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.
- Maintain a child-centred and systemic approach, considering the wider context and relationships.
Documentation, Communication and Reporting- Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with safeguarding, GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Complete psychological reports in line with education legislation and professional standards.
- Contribute to the evaluation and refinement of interventions.
- Communicate sensitively and effectively when sharing complex information.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Knowledge and Understanding- Stay informed about current issues affecting children, young people and families.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in Educational Psychology and related fields.
- Adhere to confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Demonstrate understanding of safeguarding, SEND processes and relevant legal frameworks.
Managing Own Performance and Development- Maintain professional standards and registration in line with HCPC and relevant bodies.
- Demonstrate effective engagement and motivation skills when working with children, young people and families.
- Attend supervision and provide updates to senior leadership.
- Actively engage in professional development and reflective practice.
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential- Significant post-qualification experience as an Educational Psychologist, typically demonstrated though around 2-5 years relevant practice, with evidence of the ability to work autonomously and provide specialist psychologist advice
- Experience of working with children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, neurodiversity and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Experience of undertaking psychological and educational assessments and producing high-quality reports and recommendations
- Experience of consultation with education staff, families and multi-agency professionals
- Experience of contributing to Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments (EHCNAs), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Annual Reviews.
- Experience of delivering training, consultation and reflective practice to staff teams
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams and contributing to collaborative planning and decision-making
- Experience of supporting psychologically informed, trauma-aware and inclusive practice within educational settings
Desirable- Experience of working within a Local Authority Educational Psychology Service
- Experience of working independently, as an associate or in a private practice, including commissioned work and service delivery across a range of settings
- Experience of working across both education and residential care environments
- Experience of supervising trainee psychologists, assistant psychologists or other professionals
- Experience of service development, quality-improvement, audit, research or project leadership
- Experience of contributing to multidisciplinary discussion regarding neurodevelopment presentations, diagnostic pathways and formulation processes
- Experience of presenting at conferences, professional networks or training events
- Experience of contributing to publications, research or professional presentations
Personal QualitiesEssential- Value-driven, committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, student welfare, equality and diversity
- Self-motivated and proactive, with a willingness to undertake further training and continuous learning
- Commitment to the aims, values and ethos of the Foundation, including Quality of Life and Positive Behaviour Support
- Willingness to undertake training as required and commitment to ongoing professional development
- Commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families
- Compassionate, reflective and emotionally intelligent practitioner
- Strong commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality
- Ability to work flexibly and adaptively within a dynamic organisation
- Commitment to continuing professional development and lifelong learning
Desirable- Passion for innovation and service development
- Interest in contributing to organisational learning, research and sector-wide practice development
Knowledge and UnderstandingEssential- Excellent knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, emotional wellbeing and psychological theory
- Strong understanding of SEMH, development trauma, attachment, neurodiversity and SEND
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including the Children and Families Act, SEND Code of Practice, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and Equality legislation
- Understanding of consultation, systemic practice and psychologically informed approaches
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities
Desirable- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
- Understanding of residential care practice and therapeutic care models
- Knowledge of current developments in trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and relational approaches
QualificationsEssential- A professional qualification in Educational Psychology that provides eligibility for HCPC registration as an Educational Psychologist, including: A Doctorate in Educational Psychology recognised by the HCPC; or A legacy UK Educational Psychology qualification recognised by the HCPC under previous registration arrangements; or An overseas Educational Psychology qualification accepted by the HCPC for registration purposes.
- Current HCPC registration as an Educational Psychologist
- Chartered Psychologist Status with the British Psychologist (BPS) or eligibility to obtain this
- Able to demonstrate continued compliance with HCPC Standards of Proficiency, Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Desirable- Additional postgraduate qualifications or accredited training relevant to children and young people with SEMH and SEND.
- Accredited post-qualification therapeutic training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), or other evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Attributes, Skills and AbilitiesEssential- Ability to undertake complex psychological and educational assessments and formulate recommendations
- Excellent consultation, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate complex psychological information clearly to a range of audiences
- Ability to build effective relationships with children, young people, families, and professionals
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to analyse information, solve problems and develop creative solutions
- Strong organisational, report-writing and time-management skills
Desirable- Ability to provide professional supervision and mentoring
Additional FactorsEssential- Interest in contributing to organisational learning, research and sector-wide practice development
- Commitment to maintaining HCPC registration and engaging in ongoing CPD, supervision and reflective practice
- Full UK Driving Licence
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration. 
