Head Of Mental Health

Imperium Resourcing; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job description

Head of Service: Mental Health

Lead the Transformation of Adult Mental Health Services

We're seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Service to lead and shape mental health operations across adult services in a forward-thinking local authority. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to drive change, embed new service models, and champion community-led, strengths-based approaches across working-age and older adults' mental health services.

What You'll Be Doing

1. Lead a countywide mental health social work service, including AMHP services, forensic and DoLS teams.
2. Drive service transformation in response to emerging economic and demographic pressures post-COVID.
3. Develop and implement new strategies in partnership with health and care systems, including Sussex Partnership NHS Trust and primary care.
4. Ensure high standards of practice, timely interventions, and aligned services that promote independence and choice.
5. Provide strategic leadership to operational managers and shape service policy and delivery.

What We're Looking For

1. Proven leadership within Local Authority adult mental health services.
2. Current or previous AMHP qualification - essential.
3. Demonstrated experience managing AMHP teams and integrated community services.
4. Deep understanding of relevant legislation, statutory responsibilities, and safeguarding.
5. Strong people leadership, strategic planning, and budget management experience.
6. Commitment to strengths-based, person-centred social care.

The Essentials

1. Must have extensive experience in local government mental health adult operations.
2. Minimum 2 days on-site per week (flexible base).
3. High-level ability to influence, lead and partner across complex systems.
4. Ability to manage services with significant budgets and multiple teams.

Why Join Us?

1. Be part of a major transformation programme in adult social care.
2. Contribute directly to service improvement and better outcomes for adults across the county.
3. Work within a supportive, values-driven leadership team that's passionate about innovation, inclusion, and resilience.