At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide trauma-informed mental health support to adults facing complex challenges.
- Company: Join Southend-on-Sea City Council's dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work, psychology, or related field; experience in therapeutic interventions required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation Southend-on-Sea City Council’s new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) consists of subject‑matter experts specialising in domestic abuse, drug and alcohol support, mental health support for adults and children and systemic family therapy. MDT workers bring specialist knowledge and therapeutic insight. Their expertise is instrumental in engaging families in direct intervention and supporting sustainable change. The MDT team is situated within frontline social work teams. The interventions from MDT are delivered within the community and/or in the families’ homes. This is an exciting time for Children’s Social Work, and we are seeking experienced, motivated and passionate individuals to join the new dynamic Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Led by the Team Manager, you will help create the conditions for sustainable change, working alongside a diverse team of subject‑matter experts.
Your new role The team are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent, experienced Adult Mental Health Specialist. You will provide intensive, trauma‑informed mental health support to adults aged 18+ who may be experiencing complex challenges such as mental illness, trauma, substance misuse, emotional distress, or difficulties impacting parenting capacity. You will build meaningful relationships with adults, complete holistic assessments, develop safety plans, support emotional stability, and facilitate access to wider community mental health resources. You will work collaboratively with children social care colleagues to strengthen parental capacity, improve outcomes for children, and ensure coordinated responses across services. You will also contribute mental health expertise across the service by offering consultation, advice and reflective support to frontline practitioners and partner agencies.
Other key responsibilities:
- Deliver targeted, trauma‑informed interventions for adults experiencing mental health challenges.
- Complete holistic assessments, including risk and safety planning, considering psychological, social and physical factors.
- Provide emotional and practical support during crisis situations.
- Offer specialist consultation and mental health insight to children social care colleagues and other professionals.
- Raise awareness of adult mental health issues and preventative approaches across the service.
- Produce clear, high‑quality reports, maintain accurate case records, and present evidence where required.
- Build effective working relationships with internal teams, statutory partners and voluntary sector organisations.
Whilst this position is predominately on site at Southend City Council, working from home options are available, but will depend on the needs of the team.
What you'll need to succeed To be shortlisted for this position, it is essential that you are degree educated within a relevant field, i.e. social work, psychology, counselling, mental health nursing, or a diploma level qualification in mental health. Have significant experience of delivering therapeutic mental health interventions to adults and families within social work settings—especially local authority or mental health practice. Being a qualified AMHP would be beneficial. Be able to demonstrate significant experience in developing support packages, accurate recording, and thorough assessments, all delivered in line with trauma‑informed principles that prioritise safety, trust, and empowerment. The post holder will have evidence of excellent practice and participation in casework, recording and assessment. Having strong experience in partnership working is essential for this role, as it will operate in a multi‑agency environment.
What you'll get in return When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the “Why Work For Us?” tab. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103820 - Multi-Disciplinary – Adult Mental Health Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment within its new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) focused on adult mental health. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a commitment to fostering meaningful change in the community. Joining this team means being part of a diverse group of experts dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families, all while enjoying a generous leave policy and a strong emphasis on employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103820 - Multi-Disciplinary – Adult Mental Health Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their approach to mental health support and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples during interviews. Talk about specific cases where you made a difference, especially in trauma-informed care. This will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103820 - Multi-Disciplinary – Adult Mental Health Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in mental health support. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us quickly understand your fit for the role.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working in mental health shine through! We’re looking for motivated individuals, so share why you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of adults facing challenges.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of trauma-informed care and mental health interventions. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges adults face, especially in a social work context. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to this position. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully delivered therapeutic interventions or collaborated with multi-agency teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show genuine interest in their work and the MDT's goals. Ask insightful questions about their approach to mental health support and how you can contribute to their mission. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle crisis situations. Think about past experiences where you've had to develop safety plans or provide emotional support. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
