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.
Role
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.
Ideal Candidate
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.
Essential Requirements
- 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Adolescent Protection Practitioner – Portsmouth
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Recruit4Mum often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Recruit4Mum. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Recruit4Mum.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Recruit4Mum.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Recruit4Mum.
