Assistant Educational Psychologist

Overview

This role offers an exciting chance to contribute to enhanced support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) within Dorset's innovative Educational Psychology Service. You will be involved in Dorset's Experts at Hand initiative, aiming to bring specialist assistance closer to schools, foster inclusion, and improve outcomes for children with SEND.

Role Benefits

• Join a cutting-edge SEND reform programme.
• Collaborate closely with Educational Psychologists and a multidisciplinary specialist team.
• Build skills in consultation, coaching, training, and early intervention strategies.
• Gain valuable practical experience beneficial for a future career in Educational Psychology.
• Make a significant impact by helping schools develop their confidence, capacity, and inclusive practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Educational Psychologists and local teams through contributing to psychological advice for early years children during Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments.
• Deliver training sessions and co-develop workshops for parents as part of the Autism in Schools project and support the expansion of Neuroinclusive Education Network training.
• Conduct case studies in schools to facilitate Therapeutic Thinking implementation.
• Assist with the adoption of Relational Practice methods in educational settings.
• Co-lead parent groups addressing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) alongside school personnel.
• Support the delivery of Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training modules.
• Engage in supervised assessments, observations, and interventions, contributing to ongoing service development efforts.

Candidate Profile

• Degree holder in Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
• Motivated to enhance experience in preparation for doctoral-level study.
• Dedicated to promoting inclusion and the wellbeing and learning of children and young people.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities to establish positive partnerships with children, families, and professionals.
• Organized, reflective, and eager to learn while effectively contributing within a team environment.
• Capable of independent and autonomous working.
• Essential prior experience working with children or young people in educational or care contexts.
• Desirable experience applying psychological principles in professional practice.

Additional Information

Dorset Children’s Services operates through integrated locality teams combining services such as Family Help, Social Care, and Learning and Belonging. Educational Psychologists are part of the Learning and Belonging strand, working collaboratively with families, education, social care, and health professionals.

The position offers flexibility in work location within Dorset, subject to service requirements, and includes hybrid working options balancing office presence and remote work.

This post demands significant travel; applicants must possess a valid driving license and access to suitable transport.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for both adults and children is mandatory due to the nature of the role involving vulnerable groups.

The recruitment process accommodates flexibility in interview scheduling and supports accessibility adjustments as needed. Dorset Council is a Disability Confident Employer and committed to diversity and inclusion.

Terms and Conditions

• Closing date for applications: 9 August 2026.
• Interviews will be conducted in person, with the primary date of 14 August 2026.
• Key skills recruitment and retention scheme offers a £2000 reward (pro-rated if part-time) after 24 months of employment, subject to eligibility.

About Dorset Council

Dorset Council supports over 300,000 residents through essential services and works collaboratively to build a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable community. The Council offers numerous development opportunities and values every team member's contribution to the community's wellbeing.