At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk management for vulnerable young people and deliver direct support interventions.
- Company: Join Our Place, a creative service dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on relational and restorative practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and advocate for their needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth work or social care and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 43180 - 50444 £ per year.
Application Information
To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement. CVs will be accepted at the initial stage. However, if you are shortlisted, you will be required to complete a full application form. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. Interviews will take place on the 6th and 7th July 2026.
Welcome to Our Place
Are you passionate about working with young people? Do you bring creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to delivering high-quality support? Are you a strong advocate who ensures young people always have someone in their corner? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our leadership team as a Portfolio Lead Risk Management.
About the Role
As Portfolio Lead for Risk Management, you will take a strategic and operational lead in identifying, managing, and reducing risk for young people within the service. You will work across both the residential setting and our edge‑of‑care outreach provision.
Responsibilities:
- Ensuring risk management plans are robust, consistently implemented, and regularly reviewed
- Delivering direct interventions to support young people in reducing risk
- Providing guidance, advice, and support to colleagues managing risk within their practice
- Completing residential shifts within our short‑to‑medium‑term home
- Managing a small caseload of young people on the edge of care or those being supported to return home (rehabilitation)
- Supervising and supporting a small number of Keyworkers to ensure high‑quality practice and outcomes for young people.
About Our Place
Our Place is a creative, flexible service supporting some of the most vulnerable young people and their families. Originally developed by North Yorkshire County Council as the No Wrong Door model, it was renamed Our Place by the young people we support. We work with young people aged 9+ who are in care, on the edge of care, or at risk of entering care, with the aim of achieving permanence within a family setting. Our approach is relational and restorative, ensuring we listen to young people, understand their experiences, and support them at their pace to thrive and reach their full potential.
Our Service Includes:
- A residential provision (rated Good by Ofsted February 2025)
- Responsive and flexible outreach support
- Bespoke care packages tailored to individual needs
Our Team
The service is delivered by a multi‑disciplinary team led by a Practice Manager (Registered Manager), supported by:
- 2 Deputy Managers
- 6 Portfolio Leads
- 8.5 Keyworkers
Our team is strengthened by embedded specialists, including:
- Clinical Psychologist (Life Coach)
- Speech and Language Therapist (Communication Worker)
- Foster carers and supported lodgings providers
- Data Analyst and Business Support
Additional Information
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. A Casual User Car Allowance is payable. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a barred list check (child workforce). The role includes sleep‑ins, weekends, and
Portfolio Lead Worker in Manchester employer: Rochdale Council
At Our Place, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people and their families. Our collaborative and creative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities for leadership development and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. Located in North Yorkshire, we provide a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a flexible approach to work that prioritises the well-being of both our staff and the young people we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Lead Worker in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Rochdale Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Rochdale Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Rochdale Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Rochdale Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Lead Worker in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Rochdale Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Rochdale Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rochdale Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
