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.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click ‘apply online’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please Click here
If you are wanting further information that isn’t in the JD, please contact Nathalie Nathalie.s@hays.com
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
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.
