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Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist – Essex

  • Location: Harlow , Essex / Basildon, Essex
  • Salary/Rate: £62,000 – £65,000/annum
  • Welcome Bonus & Relocation Bonus
  • Hours – Permanent Full Time

Hours – Full Time Permanent

Location – West (Harlow and surrounding areas) & South (Basildon and surrounding areas)

*We would welcome applications from candidates interested in a part time job share opportunity.*

The Role

Optima Plus Recruitment are seeking two outstanding individuals to join our client’s dynamic Educational Psychology Service (EPS) as Deputy Principal Educational Psychologists (DPEP) West (Harlow and surrounding areas) & South (Basildon and surrounding areas) Quadrants.

Essex Educational Psychology Service

Our Client’s Educational Psychology Service is a dynamic, progressive, research-informed, and solution-oriented team dedicated to applying psychology to improve lives and create positive change.  Essex EPS is a highly regarded and reflective service that is committed to continuous professional and practice development. The service works collaboratively with multi-agency partners and professional colleagues in developing innovative approaches to meeting the needs of rapidly growing and diverse school communities across our county. The model of service delivery reflects a commitment to early-intervention, consultation, training, inclusion, social justice and building strong relationships with schools/settings.

The Opportunity:

As one of four quadrant DPEPs, you will work alongside DPEP colleagues, colleagues from other teams within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the wider Education Directorate, as well as leading a quadrant team of Education Psychologists (EPs) and assistant EPs. You will be committed to meaningfully applying psychology to enable the systems (schools/settings, families, communities) supporting children and young people. DPEPs are responsible for the direct operational management and professional support of quadrant team members, ensuring that all colleagues are enabled to practise effectively, efficiently, and with professional integrity. DPEPs are also key contributors to the strategic development of the service and wider work in the Local Authority.

The offer:

EPs are supported via a comprehensive induction process and regular clinical supervision. There is an excellent continuing professional development programme which includes eight whole-service Continuous Personal Development (CPD) days and four personal CPD days (pro-rata) each year. This includes an annual two-day Projects and Research conference with presentations from innovative national and regional speakers as well as updates on research projects from within the service.  The service has excellent links with university training programmes, with a number of EPs in the service also academic and professional tutors.

We are looking for candidates who:

  • are eligible for Graduate membership with the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS);
  • hold a Doctorate or a Masters degree in Professional Educational Psychology;
  • are registered with the HCPC as a practitioner psychologist or will be eligible for registration with the HCPC at the end of their training;
  • have a good understanding of relevant legislation and evidence-based approaches and interventions; and
  • are committed to applying psychology to make a difference to the lives of children and young people.

Additional benefits:

Our Client will support you with a competitive benefits package that is underpinned by an ambitious People Plan. Within this plan we set out our commitment to provide an exceptional work/life balance for every employee, including lifestyle-friendly working patterns and generous annual leave.

You will also have access to:

  • A welcome payment of up to £5000 plus a possible relocation package of up to £8000 (terms and conditions for both payments apply).
  • Money-off high street purchases
  • Flexible benefits such as the option to purchase additional holiday, plus a lease car scheme.
  • Paid HCPC registration.

*Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.*

Company Overview:
A trusted and UKAS ISO9001 accredited leader in the recruitment industry.  Providing comprehensive recruitment solutions across more than 20 diverse industries. Specializing in both temporary and permanent placements,  as a modern and innovative organization, we leverage our valuable experience and adhere to a strict set of core values throughout our recruitment processes. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and professionalism ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and build long-lasting relationships with both clients and all staff.


Equal Opportunity Employer:
Optima Plus Recruitment is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and strive to eliminate barriers to employment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Industry: Health & Social Care
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Location: East of England

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