Multi-Disciplinary Adult Mental Health Specialist - Permanent in Southend-on-Sea

The 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.

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.

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work-life balance.

As a Unitary Authority, we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

• 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.
• 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 predominantly on site at Southend City Council, working from home options are available, but will depend on the needs of the team.

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. 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. Being a qualified AMHP would be beneficial.