At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families facing substance misuse challenges and promote positive change.
- 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 a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in social work, psychology, or related field with experience in substance misuse services.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44962 £ 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 Substance Misuse Specialist. Working alongside Social Workers, the appointed candidate will help to promote family members’ involvement to improve outcomes for children and families. They will be required to engage with parents on a one-to-one basis who have complex substance/alcohol misuse challenges and provide them with support and clinical interventions to address their substance/alcohol misuse. Carry out risk assessments which will include safety plans to help contribute to the development of individual recovery plans with those who express a wish to access community treatment/support services. The Substance Misuse Specialist will utilise interventions such as motivational interviewing, ITEP, cognitive behavioural techniques and brief interventions to promote engagement in treatment services, encourage self‑esteem, well‑being, self‑responsibility, enhanced motivation and therefore improve their parenting capacity, as well as, review ongoing care and treatment, liaising closely with partner agencies and provide support in engaging with the right services at the right time. 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, nursing, or a related field: mental health or substance misuse. You will have extensive experience of working within substance misuse services, along with proven experience of working with high-risk families, where children are subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans. Have a background in working effectively to support adults with a history of substance misuse with demonstrable outcomes. A proven track record of delivering assessments, safety planning, and brief interventions, as well as experience of providing consultation, advice, or training to professionals in children’s services or multi‑agency settings.
What you 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. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. 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.
R2R103820 - Multi Disciplinary - Substance Misuse 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. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a commitment to promoting sustainable change in the community. Joining this team means being part of a diverse group of experts dedicated to making a meaningful impact on families facing complex challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103820 - Multi Disciplinary - Substance Misuse Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at South End City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from South End City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like South End City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at South End City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103820 - Multi Disciplinary - Substance Misuse Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to South End City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to South End City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
