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 Children’s Mental Health Specialist.
In this role, you will provide creative, flexible and evidence‑informed mental health support to children and young people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. You will deliver a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to the holistic needs of the child and family, drawing on trauma‑informed principles to ensure safety, empowerment, and meaningful engagement.
You will work closely with colleagues, frontline professionals, and community partners to improve outcomes and ensure a coordinated response.
Other key responsibilities
- Delivering time‑limited interventions, supporting engagement, producing high‑quality assessments and reports, and contributing to multi‑agency meetings.
- Deliver targeted, trauma‑informed mental health interventions with children and young people.
- Provide specialist consultation, advice, and reflective input to colleagues and partners.
- Participate in multi‑agency meetings and contribute to shared safeguarding decision‑making.
- Maintain accurate, timely case records and produce high‑quality written reports.
- Support innovative approaches to engagement with families facing complex challenges.
- Champion mental health awareness and contribute to a culture of learning.
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.
Be able to demonstrate significant experience in delivering therapeutic or mental‑health‑focused interventions.
Have proven experience of supporting families subject to Child Protection or Child in Need Plans.
Strong skills in assessment, recording, and planning skills, have the ability to work effectively within multi‑agency environments.
Have excellent communication skills with a reflective, collaborative approach.
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.
