Southend-on-Sea City Council’s new Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) comprises 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
We are a mid-sized unitary authority in South East Essex with around 1,800 FTE roles, serving a population of 182,500 residents.
We were very proud to be awarded LGC Council of the Year 2012 and have received a number of other awards including Stonewall Top 100 Employer, RoSPA level 5 and Silver IiP.
We exist to create 'a better Southend': our aims are for our city to be 'Safe', 'Clean', 'Healthy', 'Prosperous' and led by an 'Excellent' organisation.
We are very proud of the differences we make and would welcome you considering joining one of our nationally recognised, award winning teams of talented and hard working individuals.
