Assistant Educational Psychologist 16 posts
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Job Summary
PERSON SPECIFICATION
| NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS |
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question how and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria where relevant. 2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications unless the criteria state otherwise. 3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below. 4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below using the information provided by you on your application form. 5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role. 6. In the event of an excessive number of applications the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria. |
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.You should therefore make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Method of Assessment |
| Qualifications | Hold an honours degree in psychology (2:2 or above) or equivalent that satisfies the British Psychological Society requirements for graduate basis for registration | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Experience | Have two years demonstrable experience* of working to successfully improve the outcomes of children with Special Educational Needs in formal or informal education settings or in health settings *Please note: only those applicants who clearly demonstrate evidence (including dates of employment and posts held) will be invited to interview. Applicants are responsible for clearly detailing and calculating the total duration of their relevant experience (in months and/or weeks) as this will be used to assess whether the essential criteria have been met. If required please refer to pages 26 27 in the EA applicants notes of guidance for assistance. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Knowledge | Demonstrate with relevant examples how you have used psychological theory research and activities among others including elements of: formulation assessment intervention training and evaluation to improve the outcomes for children and young people with SEN Evidence how you have successfully used data management systems including the use of appropriate ICT software packages (for example Microsoft Word Access Excel etc) to make informed decisions | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Other | Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality and diversity The successful candidate will be required: to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion; OR be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion. | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EAs Game Changing People Model.
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Method of Assessment |
| Skills/ Abilities | In line with EAs Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of: Ability to analyse information and to plan and organise work and work to deadlines Ability to work independently and show initiative under the supervision of an Educational Psychologist Ability to support others in the development of skills including good presentation / training skills Ability to engage communicate and work in partnership with others showing both an ability to work both independently and to be an active cooperative team play Ability to gather and handle data relating to social research Ability to assist with the design and implementation of service development projects as required under the supervision of an Educational Psychologist | Interview |
| Values Orientation | Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EAs ethos and values. You will find information about our Valueshere. | Interview |
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
| Factor | Desirable Criteria | Method of Assessment |
| Knowledge | Knowledge of the Northern Ireland education system and key SEN legislation relating to children and young people | Shortlisting by Application Form |
| Qualifications | Hold an honours degree in psychology (2:1 or above) | Shortlisting by Application Form |
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as regulated activity.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves regulated activity the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment of Justice.
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes please clickhere.
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority click here
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBLE TO:Principal Educational Psychologist/Senior Educational Psychologist
RESPONSIBLE FOR:This post carries no formal managerial or supervisory responsibilities for other staff
JOB PURPOSE
The Assistant Educational Psychologist will contribute to the Education Authorities responsibilities for children with Special Educational Needs. They will be expected to contribute to the provision and development of an effective and high-quality Educational Psychology Service in the Education Authority. The Assistant Educational Psychologist will be expected to work under the supervision of Educational Psychologists and to support the work of the Educational Psychology Service in the delivery of core services relating to assessment and intervention for children who may have Special Educational Needs and identified strategic projects.
They will assist the work of an Educational Psychologist on individual pieces of casework (e.g. by gathering data through structured observation; completing structured assessments with individuals); deliver training mentoring coaching; complete research tasks; and support the delivery of specific interventions for which they have been trained.
To gain experience skills knowledge and understanding of the role and professional practice of educational psychologists in preparation for formal post-graduate professional training in Educational Psychology.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1 The Assistant Educational Psychologist will:
Support the work of an Educational Psychologists under the supervision of an experienced Educational Psychologist who has completed formal training in Supervision.
Support the deployment of resources under the supervision of the Principal/Senior Educational Psychologist.
Assist Educational Psychologists in the design and implementation of Service development projects as required.
Be responsible and accountable for casework under the supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist and carry out other duties within a Trust team ensuring the delivery of a high-quality service.
Assist a qualified Educational Psychologist with the development of assessment protocols as well as design of intervention they have been trained in; deliver training programmes across the Service under the supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist.
Undertake educational psychological assessments of children and young people in order to clarify their learning social and emotional needs; including psychological tests questionnaires self-report measures rating scales direct and indirect observations and semi-structured interviews as directed by supervising qualified Educational Psychologist.
Assist in the preparation of psychological reports under supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist.
Assist in the formulation and delivery of psychologically informed therapeutic interventions for individuals or groups interventions for which they have been trained under the supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist to promote psychological wellbeing social emotional and behavioural development and to raise educational standards.
Meet and advise parents and other professionals under the guidance of a qualified Educational Psychologist and communicate assessments results to teachers parents and relevant others.
Liaise or work directly with all the specialists and professionals concerned on specific cases research projects/pilots and intervention programmes as required and under the supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist.
To maintain accurate and detailed records of work undertaken in accordance with Educational Psychology Service and Education Authority policies and provide written reports where required.
Assist with the monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of Stage 2 and 3 recommendations strategies and interventions.
Attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings and individual pupil Statutory and Stage 2 reviews (e.g. reporting assessment findings providing advice and evidence based recommendations under the guidance of a qualified Educational Psychologist.
Assist Educational Psychologists in the development and delivery of training and professional development for school staff and other professional groups and training for parents/carers of children and young people.
Assist in the design and implementation of service development projects within the service as required and under the supervision of a qualified Educational Psychologist. This will include research activities involving the collection analysis and maintenance of data and in the production of information for officers of the Education Authority schools parents etc.
Develop a range of high level competencies appropriate to the work of the Educational Psychology Service supported by regular supervision and practical opportunities for professional development.
Assist the Educational Psychology Service and their staff with other duties as required.
2 The Assistant Educational Psychologist will:
Work within the guidelines provided by professional Codes of Conduct of the Association of Educational Psychologists and the British Psychological Society by providing a professional standard of assessment and intervention in schools as directed by the supervising Educational Psychologist.
Contribute to active research under the supervision of an Educational Psychologist and contribute to the initiation development and implementation of new responses to changing needs and demands upon the team.
Contribute to the knowledge and understanding of schools in the area of psychology child development and Special Educational Needs taking account of the new SEN Framework and SEN Strategic Review.
Assist the Regional Administration Manager as part of the EAs Outcome Based Accountability programme.
All duties undertaken will be subject to supervision by appropriately qualified educational psychologists employed within the Educational Psychology Service. The duties and responsibilities allocated to the post holder will depend upon his or her knowledge skills and experience at the time as judged by his or her supervisors and managers.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) the post-holder is expected to promote good relations equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post click here.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
The Education Authority is responsible for delivering education services across Northern Ireland.
