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 As a key member of the Adult Operations senior team, you will: * Lead a countywide mental health social work service, including AMHP services, forensic and DoLS teams. * Drive service transformation in response to emerging economic and demographic pressures post-COVID. * Develop and implement new strategies in partnership with health and care systems, including Sussex Partnership NHS Trust and primary care. * Ensure high standards of practice, timely interventions, and aligned services that promote independence and choice. * Provide strategic leadership to operational managers and shape service policy and delivery. What We’re Looking For * Proven leadership within Local Authority adult mental health services. * Current or previous AMHP qualification – essential. * Demonstrated experience managing AMHP teams and integrated community services. * Deep understanding of relevant legislation, statutory responsibilities, and safeguarding. * Strong people leadership, strategic planning, and budget management experience. * Commitment to strengths-based, person-centred social care. The Essentials * Must have extensive experience in local government mental health adult operations. * Minimum 2 days on-site per week in on site (flexible base). * High-level ability to influence, lead and partner across complex systems. * Ability to manage services with significant budgets and multiple teams. Why Join Us? * Be part of a major transformation programme in adult social care. * Contribute directly to service improvement and better outcomes for adults across the county. * Work within a supportive, values-driven leadership team that’s passionate about innovation, inclusion, and resilience