Successful candidates may be eligible to claim up to £8000 in relocation expenses
Work location: County Hall, Oxford city with close proximity to the M40 (Hybrid Working arrangements to be discussed)Hours per week: 37 - we are open to discussions about flexible workingContract type: PermanentVetting requirements: This role is subject to a criminal records checkClosing date: Sunday 12th May 2024Interview date: Week commencing 20th May 2024Do you want to make a difference? A REAL difference?About usJoin Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey towards , our ambitious transformation programme which is enabling us to be an employer, partner, and place shaper of choice. We're seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ' ', as we continue to strive to do better.At Oxfordshire County Council, we want every child to have the best possible education. With this goal in mind, we have made a significant investment to the Special Educational Needs (SEND) service in Oxfordshire. In support of our growth, we are recruiting to a number of significant positions, which includes the appointment of a Principal Educational Psychologist.Our Oxfordshire Educational Psychology Service is a well-established, highly regarded and supportive team of Educational Psychologists, Assistant Educational Psychologists and dedicated administrative support staff.We benefit from close links with training courses and value the contribution of Trainee Educational Psychologists bring to the service. The service is divided into three area teams, with a strong group of Senior Educational Psychologists leading these teams.All of our Educational Psychologists have a balance of traded and statutory work, working collaboratively with parent and carers, educational setting staff, professionals, to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people. The service also leads and contributes to wider SEND initiatives, such as the Relational Schools Programme and ELSA training.As a Principal Educational Psychologist you will play a crucial role in providing strategic, operational leadership and management support to the Oxfordshire Educational Psychology Service to deliver a range of psychological services for children, young people, their families and schools.About the roleThe Principal Educational Psychologist is part of the wider SEND Senior Management Team providing opportunities to make a significant contribution to strategic planning across the SEND and wider education service.In this role, as the strategic lead of the Educational Psychology (EP) service, you will aim to improve the learning and achievement for children and young people with SEND, working with SEND Managers, wider Education colleagues and other service areas, partners and key stakeholders.In addition, you will work with teams to use family and child centred approaches that work in partnership with parents, children and young people with SEND, embracing the principles of Early Support that will provide a high quality and flexible service.If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND, and possess the skills and experience required, we invite you to apply for this rewarding position.Join our team of dedicated professionals and contribute to the ongoing improvement of SEND outcomes in Oxfordshire during this exciting time of growth and transformation.We are also recruiting for other positions within our team, please click below for more information:About you
Always learning: you'll have a degree (or equivalent) in Psychology and post-graduate qualification in Educational Psychology, with a thorough understanding of SEND legislation.
Kind and caring: you'll be a natural leader with an understanding of and respect for individuals' qualities, abilities, strengths, and diverse backgrounds.
Advocating for equality and integrity: you'll bring the knowledge to champion good practice, with a proven ability to develop trusted, positive relationships.
Willing to take responsibility: to support and develop your team to deliver on the vision of Oxfordshire County Council, driving continual improvements and ensuring financial stability in terms of budget.
Driven to do things differently: as a confident Educational Psychologist you are someone who has the knowledge and understanding of the issues relating to vulnerable children and families to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.
Rewards and benefitsIt really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too.We offer:
Opportunities to apply psychology creatively in different contexts
Stimulating Continuing Professional Development opportunities
Excellent peer support
Flexible agile working. Each EP is provided with a wireless enabled laptop and phone as well as excellent on-demand IT support
Dedicated administrative support
Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays)
Comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - up to 19.9% employer contribution
Flexible working
Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7
Enhanced family friendly policies
Childcare vouchers, electric car scheme, cycle to work scheme, staff discount scheme for a range of retailers, holidays, insurance, restaurants, health & leisure activities and rail travel
Excellent leadership learning and development opportunities
Explore more
Would you like to know more?For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Deborah Smit (Head of SEND) onApplication ProcedureTo apply, please complete an online application form by clicking either of the Apply Now buttons at the top and bottom of this advert. This includes a section asking you to explain how you meet the selection criteria, as specified in the job posting. You may attach a cover letter and/or CV to your application form, however it is not mandatory.If you encounter any issues with the maximum character count on your application form, please use , which may be taking it over the limit.If you experience any technical difficulties whilst completing the application form, please contact the Recruitment Team using .If you require the application form in an alternative format as part of a reasonable adjustment at this stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment Team using .Our commitment to: Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.Our commitment to: Guaranteed Interview SchemesAs a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Our commitment to: SafeguardingOxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Our commitment to: Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on , , and .
