Educational Psychologist

Dorset Children’s Services is seeking to recruit a creative and innovative educational psychologist to its existing team of skilled and friendly staff.  Do you want to be part of a dynamic, supportive and highly respected group of educational psychologists? We are looking for educational psychologists who have an enthusiasm for applying psychology to make a difference for children and young people.  We are always interested in developing new practice and approaches and welcome applicants that can bring new practice to Dorset.

We are seeking applications from educational psychologists who are:  

Qualified educational psychologists registered with the HCPC and those in their final year of training. We would be interested in receiving applications from trainees currently in their 2nd year of training. We are currently seeking applicants for the Chesil (Weymouth) and North locality.
We are looking for educational psychologists who:

• are compassionate
• take a restorative approach to building and developing relationships
• use solution focused thinking and approaches
• are person centred
• are committed to developing inclusive practice and developing belonging for CYP with SEND and other specific groups to improve equity
• are reflective and open to development of their own practice and that of their colleagues
• apply a strengths-based approach to working with children, young people, their families and education settings
• are creative and flexible in their approach
• can bring new and innovative ways of working to Dorset EPs and multidisciplinary working.

Dorset Council offers varied and rewarding work across a wide range of topics such as Relational Practice, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Therapeutic Thinking, ELSA and Autism in Schools … I could go on.  This is alongside completing psychological advice towards EHCNAs.   

About Dorset Children’s Services

‘Dorset Children Thrive’ is our locality model to deliver Children’s Services.  It brings together services and support for children and families into four integrated locality teams. The locality teams include Family help, Children’s Social Care, and Learning and Belonging.  Through our integrated structure, colleagues work in multi-disciplinary integrated teams, educational psychologists are part of the Learning and Belonging strand.

About us

Dorset EPs provide

• psychological advice towards education, health and care needs assessments. We always take the approach that every interaction is an intervention
• a solution focused consultation-based approach to preventative work
• group supervision to ELSAs, and other colleagues in schools such as DSLs and staff groups across Children's Services such as the leaving care team
• link work to schools including joint consultation planning meetings working with our centrally funded specialist teachers.
• training to EY providers, schools and FE providers and Children’s Services workforce
• critical incident and sad event support to schools and are the lead in working with schools and partners when such events happen
• strategic support and lead on approaches and interventions
• work in collaboration with colleagues from Childrens Services and partner agencies including MHSTs and CAMHS
• support to the LA to use evidence-based practice to develop a continuum of provision
  
  

What will you get in return?

• Work for an LA which is leading the way in social care reform as one of the Pathfinder LAs and received a positive outcome from the SEND Area Inspection March 2024

• Be highly regarded and respected by stakeholders and colleagues.
• Flexible working
• Soulbury terms and conditions
• Peer and management supervision
• Access to professional development and support and good ICT
• A beautiful mix of rural, town and coastal environments, The Jurassic Coast and Blue Flag beaches.

Applicants are required to hold a driving licence and have access to means of transport.

For further details of how we work visit:

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/sen-and-disability-local-offer/education-and-learning/services-to-help-support-your-child/educational-psychologists.aspx

If you would like to discuss the posts informally or visit the team please call or email Dr Rachel Meyrick - Senior Educational Psychologist (Chesil) - [email protected] or Dr Clare Anderson - Senior Educational Psychologist (North) - [email protected]

Closing date - Sunday 18th January 2026 

Interviews will be in-person Week Commencing 2nd February 2026 

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.