Educational psychologist : Employers and vacancy sources

Most educational psychologists in the UK are employed by local authorities and are based in the psychological services of the education departments working in schools, colleges, nurseries, community environments and special units. In Scotland, there are 32 employing local authorities and job opportunities are good. Most newly qualified educational psychologists will be employed by the local authority or educational psychology services (EPS). In Northern Ireland, employers are the Education and Library Boards (ELB) Northern Ireland . Other public sector employers (where you might find yourself the only educational psychologist) would be in regional social services' assessment centres, hospital-based paediatric assessment units or child psychiatric units.

You might elect to work in a research establishment or university becoming involved in teaching as well as research. In most cases your employer is likely to be within the public sector.

One growing area is working freelance, as a private consultant or within a specialised consultancy. The terminology varies, but the work might include some or all of the following:

• working for charities and voluntary bodies such as Barnardo's  or The National Autistic Society  
• providing training;
• supporting independent schools and undertaking private work for families.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) - their broadsheet is the key source of vacancies.
• Psychologist Appointments    
• Times Educational Supplement (TES)    
• Guardian Jobs   
• The Herald    
• The Scotsman   
• Indeed  
• Trovit  
• Local government and health service vacancy bulletins - usually weekly.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.