Assistant Manager - Clinical Practice

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Job Description

Make a difference to children and young people's mental health and wellbeing!

East Sussex County Council is seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Manager to join our Children's Services Education Division.

This is a key leadership role within Me & My Mind, Mental Health Support Teams (MHST), supporting schools to deliver high-quality mental health and wellbeing provision for children and young people, including those with SEND. This is an exciting opportunity to combine clinical expertise, leadership, and system-wide influencing to help drive improvements in outcomes for children and young people across East Sussex. As an Assistant Manager, you will:

• Provide delegated line management and day-to-day support to staff
• Deputise for the Team Manager (Clinical Practice) when required
• Support the delivery of key service developments
• Assist with oversight of referrals, rotas, and service capacity
• Undertake case audits, analysing themes and reporting findings to senior managers
• Work collaboratively with schools, NHS partners and wider services

You will also maintain a clinical focus, including:

• Planning and facilitating appropriate therapeutic interventions, including group work
• Ongoing risk assessment and management for children and young people
• Communicating risk clearly and appropriately across professional networks

You will be:

• Qualified to postgraduate level in therapeutic practice
• Registered with a relevant professional body (e.g. BABCP)
• An experienced practitioner with a strong understanding of mild to moderate mental health needs, SEND, and education settings
• Skilled at motivating staff, managing change, and working autonomously within a complex system
• Committed to ethical, reflective practice and continuous professional development

What we offer

• The opportunity to work in a values-driven, child-centred service
• A leadership role with real influence on service development and strategy
• Strong multi-agency working with education, health and community partners
• Commitment to professional development and supervision
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Local Government Pension Scheme and other ESCC benefits

At East Sussex County Council, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly those who are vulnerable. We value collaboration, inclusion, creativity and resilience, and we actively welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Additional information:

• The role requires travel across East Sussex (a driving licence or ability to meet travel requirements is essential)
• This post involves working directly with children and young people and is subject to relevant safeguarding checks
• Base and area of work is to be confirmed

Please download the job description and person specification for more information.

To apply for this role, please follow the 'Apply Now' button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will be in person at County Hall in Lewes on Wednesday 03 June 2026 & Thursday 11 June 2026. Please ensure you are able to make this date, as we may be unable to offer an alternative. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

Why join us?

• Be part of a forward thinking service making a measurable difference to children, families and schools
• Access to training and development, including clinical supervision training with Sussex University if applicable
• Opportunities to influence whole school mental health systems
• A supportive, multi-disciplinary working environment
• Flexible working and a strong focus on wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Fiona Skinner, Clinical Practice Manager at fiona.skinner@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a MS teams call or phone call.

For a team that supports you, choose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.