Lead Adolescent Protection Practitioner

Lead Adolescent Protection Practitioner – Portsmouth, PO1 2AL
, United Kingdom

Job Category:
Social Care Children

Region / Division: UK Region

Location:

Civic Offices

Working Hours:

37

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Adolescent Protection Practitioner to join our innovative Adolescent Service within the Family Help model.

This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role in safeguarding adolescents at risk of significant harm particularly where risks arise outside the home, such as exploitation, missing episodes, or radicalisation.

In this role, you will lead Section 47 child protection investigations for adolescents identified as being at risk of harm, particularly where exploitation or risks occur outside the home.

You will provide clear professional oversight and decision‑making, ensuring all safeguarding activity aligns with statutory responsibilities and best practice frameworks.

You will collaborate closely with social workers, Family Help practitioners and partner agencies to deliver coordinated and proportionate support to young people and their families.

A key part of your role will involve leading contextual safeguarding practice, including mapping peer networks, locations and community influences to identify patterns of risk and inform effective safety planning.

You will also provide expert advice to partners on risks such as criminal or sexual exploitation, radicalisation and missing episodes, helping to strengthen multi‑agency safeguarding responses.

You will drive practice that builds resilience, strengthens protective factors and supports sustainable change for young people and their families.

You will be an experienced and confident social worker who places adolescents at the heart of every decision. You will work collaboratively and restoratively, building trust with families and partners while providing clear, decisive leadership in complex child protection situations.

You will bring expertise in contextual safeguarding, leading mapping of peer networks and community risks, and you will apply trauma‑informed, relationship‑based practice to drive sustainable change.

You will demonstrate resilience, reflection, and strong values, combining high support with high challenge to empower young people and strengthen protective factors across families and communities.

• Qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England, have completed your ASYE and will have at least 2 years child protection experience.
• Strong experience in adolescent and contextual safeguarding.
• Excellent leadership and decision‑making skills.
• Experience leading complex safeguarding investigations.
• Strong communication and partnership‑working abilities.
• Expertise in trauma‑informed and restorative practice.
• Resilience and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• A commitment to inclusive, anti‑oppressive practice and achieving outstanding outcomes for young people.

Hybrid working arrangements:
At least 2 days per week office based in line with PCC policy and will include working some evenings and weekends.

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard.

Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years – this is essential for all safeguarding roles.