Psychologist - Expert Court Assessment Service

Job Advert Skip to main content Cookies on NHS Jobs We've put some small files called cookies on your device to help us make improvements to our site. To improve our site we'd also like to use cookies which will send information to Google Analytics. You can read more about our cookies before you choose. Accept analytics cookies Do not accept analytics cookies Jobs Menu Sign in Create an account English Cymraeg Menu Close menu Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) BETA Your feedback will help us to improve this service. Barking and Dagenham Council Psychologist - Expert Court Assessment Service The closing date is 15 October 2026 Apply for this job Job summary Psychologist Specialist Court & Family Services Childrens Care & Support Expert Court Assessment Service (ECAS) Be part of something new. Shape better futures for children. We are recruiting to an exciting opportunity within our new Expert Court Assessment Service (ECAS) a specialist, innovative service designed to transform how we support children and families through pre-proceedings and care proceedings. This is a unique opportunity to join at the early stages of an ambitious, in-house assessment model, bringing psychological expertise directly into statutory social care and court processes. You will play a key role in strengthening decision-making, reducing delay and improving permanence outcomes for children. Main duties of the job As a Psychologist within ECAS, you will operate as a senior specialist practitioner, providing expert psychological assessment and advice within care proceedings and pre-proceedings.You will: You will: Undertake complex psychological assessments of children, parents and carers to inform court and permanence planning Provide expert analysis on parenting capacity, risk, trauma, attachment and capacity to change Produce high-quality, court-ready reports that are analytical, proportionate and defensible Offer specialist consultation to social workers, managers and legal colleagues Contribute to multidisciplinary discussions including legal planning meetings and court forums Support quality assurance and the development of robust, evidence-based assessment practice This role is critical in ensuring that psychological insight is embedded within decision-making, strengthening court confidence and improving outcomes for children and families. About us Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here. Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and youll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing and changing for the better. And It Starts Here.Yes, the borough has its challenges. But its on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.Over the past few years, weve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community.From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, were focused on what matters most to local people. #ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing whats best for the future of Barking and Dagenham.As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, were serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional trainingand career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do. Details Date posted 05 October 2026 Pay scheme Other Salary £59,298 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time,