At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide specialist systemic psychotherapy and support families facing 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: Collaborate with experts in a supportive, multi-agency environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while shaping innovative practices.
- Qualifications: Degree in Family & Systemic Psychotherapy and UKCP registration required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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 new team are looking to appoint a full‑time, permanent Systemic Family Therapist to provide specialist systemic psychotherapy across a range of community settings. You will support practitioners and managers working with families experiencing significant challenges, offering expert consultation, guidance, and direct therapeutic intervention. This is an exciting opportunity to do more than just practice systemic therapy; it is an opportunity to shape, develop and create new ways of practising. This role will give you the chance to use your skills directly with families, offering targeted interventions mainly within family homes. You will deliver trauma‑informed work aimed at reducing risk, strengthening resilience, and facilitating positive behavioural or relational change within families. A key aspect of the role involves leading and supporting the development of robust risk assessments, ensuring risks to children and vulnerable adults are identified, analysed and addressed. This is a pivotal post within the new service and will play a vital role in improving the quality of assessments, decision‑making and interventions across children’s services. The multi‑disciplinary team will work alongside the Family Help teams as part of the Families First transformation in children’s services. You will be working with families open on high‑end child in need plans (CIN) and child protection plans (CP). The aim of working at this level is to address the needs and risks presented with interventions that reduce the likelihood of children entering care. This service will provide you with the opportunity to effect positive change and offer support to families in our area.
Other key responsibilities
- Deliver specialist systemic psychotherapy and trauma‑informed direct work with children and families.
- Provide expert consultation and reflective practice sessions for practitioners and managers.
- Lead and support high‑quality risk assessments, care planning, and safety planning.
- Promote a whole family, systemic approach as part of a wider therapeutic service.
- Model relational, strengths‑based, and evidence‑informed practice across Children’s Services.
- Help embed systemic principles organisation‑wide, ensuring children remain at the centre of all interventions.
- Work collaboratively within multi‑agency environments, contributing to improved safeguarding and risk management.
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 have a degree in Family & Systemic Psychotherapy and hold a UKCP registration. You will have extensive experience of working within children, young people and families facing emotional, relational, or social complexity. Have a strong ability to work within multi‑agency environments, applying a systemic lens to safeguarding, child development, trauma and family functioning. Be warm, reflective, and collaborative communication and interpersonal skills with families in need of support.
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. 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.
R2R103821 - Multi-Disciplinary – Systemic Family Therapist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend-on-Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within its new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) focused on systemic family therapy. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovative practice, this role provides the opportunity to shape therapeutic interventions while enjoying generous annual leave and comprehensive training opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103821 - Multi-Disciplinary – Systemic Family Therapist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of systemic family therapy. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals from Southend-on-Sea City Council and other organisations. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience with trauma-informed practices and multi-agency collaboration. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in families' lives – this will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in systemic family therapy and the specific challenges faced by families in Southend-on-Sea. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your understanding of the community's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the team at Southend-on-Sea City Council and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103821 - Multi-Disciplinary – Systemic Family Therapist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for systemic family therapy shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference in the lives of families and children.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in working with children and families facing challenges. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
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 and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of systemic family therapy and the specific challenges families face. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in trauma-informed care and how they apply to children and families. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous work with children and families, especially in multi-agency settings. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to conduct risk assessments and deliver effective interventions. This is your chance to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to talk about your collaborative skills. Share examples of how you've worked with other professionals to achieve positive outcomes for families. Highlighting your ability to communicate and work effectively with others will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team's approach to systemic therapy and how they measure success. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation's values align with yours. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation during the interview.
