DONCASTER METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY SERVICE

GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY ASSISTANT
(Temporary post to March 2011)
Soulbury Scale for Trainee Educational Psychologists
Points 1-6 (£21,801 – £29,777)

The Educational Psychology Service is a specialist service staffed by a professional team of qualified educational psychologists, based within the Council’s Children and Young People’s Service. The EPS aims to promote learning, achievement and social and emotional well-being in children and young people, through the application of psychology and principles of child development. The EPS is most often consulted about the educational needs of children who, for various reasons, may be encountering significant barriers to learning or who experience difficulties in their social or emotional adjustment. Educational psychologists work closely with schools, other Council services, health professionals and other agencies to support children and young people aged 0 -19 years and their parents/carers. They also undertake research to collect evidence on effective practice and to evaluate the impact of specific interventions.

We wish to appoint as soon as possible a Graduate Psychology Assistant on a temporary basis, initially until 31 March 2011, to support the work of the professional team of educational psychologists. The successful candidate could be expected to undertake any of the various duties outlined in the Job Description, depending on the needs and priorities of the Service. However, it is anticipated that a substantial proportion of the Assistant’s time will be employed in supporting a project evaluation which the EPS has been commissioned to undertake for the Authority. The duties are likely to involve various types of data collection, including interviews of adults and children, administration and evaluation of standardised tests and questionnaires, and data analysis and reporting.

The successful applicant will have an honours degree in psychology (or equivalent qualification) meeting the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership of the British Psychological Society. He or she will also possess excellent personal and communication skills, have good numerical and IT skills, and have an understanding of basic research methodology and statistical techniques. A research-based higher degree and/or previous experience of working with children and young people in educational or other contexts would be a significant additional asset. The post would be eminently suitable for a psychology graduate wishing to acquire relevant experience prior to undertaking the doctorate training in professional practise as an educational psychologist.

If you believe that you meet these requirements, and you are an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who gets on well in a team, then you may be just the person we are looking for!

The successful applicant will benefit from:
• office accommodation in a central location, with free on-site parking and excellent links to rail/motorway networks
• good CPD provision
• dedicated, high quality administrative support
• excellent IT facilities (laptop and/or PC with access to email and internet)
• flexible working arrangements
• a friendly and supportive team of colleagues

For an informal discussion please contact John Drewicz, Principal Educational Psychologist, on (01302) 737291 or email to:

Doncaster Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Interviews for this post will take place on 27 September 2010. If you have not heard from us by this date, please assume you have not been short-listed for interview for the post.

Many thanks for your interest in this vacancy.