Research Assistant / Assistant Educational Psychologist

Location: Norfolk, United Kingdom Department: Education

Assistant Educational Psychologist (Educational Psychology and Specialist Support) | 11483 | Temporary Fixed Term Contract until August 2028 | 37 hours per week | Soulbury AEP Scale | County Hall, Norwich

Educational Psychology and Specialist Support (EPSS) is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for passionate psychology graduates to join our team as an Assistant Educational Psychologist (AEP).

We are looking for enthusiastic, reflective and dynamic candidates, keen to support the development and delivery of our work in schools across Norfolk and committed to pursuing a career in educational psychology. We see this opportunity as the first step in progressing from Assistant EP to Trainee EP and, ultimately, qualified EP. The post forms part of a structured 20-month development programme designed to provide a broad range of experiences across statutory assessment, prevention and early intervention, research, quality assurance, service development, digital innovation and professional learning. Development is supported through structured supervision, reflective practice and a competency framework designed to support progression towards doctoral training in Educational Psychology.

Candidates will be supported and encouraged to apply for Educational Psychology doctoral training during the programme.

About EPSS

EPSS is a thriving, multi-professional service at the heart of Norfolk’s SEND strategy. Our work is grounded in prevention, inclusion and systemic thinking, delivered primarily through the SEND and Inclusion Support Model (SISM). We work in close partnership with schools, families and multi-agency colleagues to promote positive outcomes for children and young people across the county.

We are a supportive and reflective team, committed to professional growth and continuous learning. We offer:

A welcoming, nurturing and collaborative team environment

A comprehensive 20-month AEP development programme structured across four developmental phases, with clear progression expectations and supported by an AEP Competency Framework.

Fortnightly professional supervision and monthly line management

Access to peer and group supervision in line with EPSS processes

A generous CPD offer, including training and shadowing opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Working closely with NCC partners, EPSS provide universal support to schools across Norfolk through SISM. EPSS play a key role in developing and supporting the Specialist Resource Base (SRB) and Specialist Hubs of Inclusive Practice (SHIP) provision across the county.

About the Role

Across the programme, AEPs will gain substantial experience of EHC Needs Assessment processes alongside opportunities to contribute to prevention and early intervention work, consultation, research, quality assurance and service development activities. Responsibilities and experiences develop over time through the four phases of the programme, with increasing opportunities for contribution, reflection and professional growth.

Following a comprehensive induction programme, and alongside regular CPD / shadowing opportunities, successful candidates will play an active role in the development and delivery of various educational psychology activities, including research, quality assurance and development tasks.

Professional development is supported through regular supervision, access to CPD and shadowing opportunities, and the use of an EPSS Competency Framework. This framework supports the development of knowledge, experience and reflective practice across the breadth of Educational Psychology activity, helping AEPs identify strengths, monitor progress and plan future development.

Key tasks will include the following

Statutory Work

Supporting EPs with observations and structured information gathering

Assisting with chronologies and background information

Contributing to person-centred planning processes

Supporting preparation for statutory advice

Prevention and Early Intervention (via SISM)

Supporting consultation work with schools

Assisting with systems-level problem-solving and inclusion planning

Contributing to the preparation and co-delivery of training (e.g. Zones of Regulation and other evidence-informed approaches)

Supporting early intervention assessment and information gathering

Gathering and representing the views of children, young people and families

Research, Quality Assurance and Service Development

Supporting the design, development and implementation of projects aligned with Local Authority priorities

Exploring the appropriate use of approved digital technologies, including AI tools, to support research, quality assurance, service development and administrative activities.

Collecting, analysing and presenting information to support evaluation and service improvement

Contributing to EPSS quality assurance activity and helping the service understand and demonstrate its impact

Producing reports and presentations for colleagues and stakeholders

Supporting research, evaluation and service development projects

About You

We are seeking candidates who

Hold a BPS-accredited Psychology degree.

Can demonstrate a firm and sustained commitment to pursuing a career in Educational Psychology.

Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Show capacity for self-reflection, professional growth and lifelong learning.

Are interested in psychological thinking, systems-level practice and inclusion.

Are able to work collaboratively and make effective use of supervision and feedback.

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people and are keen to develop within a dynamic and forward-thinking service, we would love to hear from you.

Before you apply, we recommend reading the full Job Description and Person Specification to help you demonstrate you meet the criteria.

For an informal discussion, please contact: Dr Rachel Wade, Specialist Sen