Portfolio Lead - Route 29

Route 29 is an innovative Edge of Care Service inspired by the nationally recognised No Wrong Door approach. We are committed to working collaboratively with children, young people, families, and partner agencies to achieve the best possible outcomes for some of Salford's most vulnerable young people.

Supporting children and young people aged 8 to 18, Route 29 delivers intensive, trauma-informed interventions for those who are on the edge of care, in care, or experiencing placement instability. At the heart of our practice is a commitment to working with young people rather than doing to them. We strive to be a listening organisation where young people are heard, valued, and supported by professionals who understand their experiences, reducing the need for them to repeatedly tell their story.

Our integrated service brings together a range of specialist support, including:

• A dedicated Outreach Service
• A Registered Children's Home
• 16+ Accommodation
• A network of Specialist Foster Carers
• Strong multi-agency partnerships that provide coordinated support during times of crisis

Based at The Hub, our team works closely together to provide responsive, relationship-based support. Our Children's Home offers emergency and short-term accommodation for up to six young people aged 10 to 17 who are experiencing significant challenges that place them at risk of entering care. Through our specialist 28 day assessment and intervention model, we provide a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where young people can stabilise, rebuild relationships, and develop plans for a more positive and sustainable future.

Route 29 is an ambitious and evolving service that is committed to innovation, excellence, and improving outcomes for children and young people. Thanks to the successful promotion of two of our existing Portfolio Leads, we are now seeking exceptional individuals to join our leadership team and help shape the next stage of our journey.

The service is made up of

• A Service Manager
• A Registered Manager
• Two Deputy Managers (With lead areas for outreach and accommodation)
• Portfolio Leads
• Key workers who support young people and their families within the hub and by outreach work in the community
• A Senior Mental Health practitioner
• A Speech and Language therapist
• An Educational Psychologist
• Specialist Nurses
• Police contacts

About the Role

Due to the continued growth and development of Route 29, we are seeking two passionate and experienced Portfolio Leads to join our innovative Edge of Care Service. This is an exciting opportunity for ambitious professionals who are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing crisis and who want to play a key role in shaping and developing a highly regarded service.

We are recruiting for two specialist Portfolio Lead positions:

• Residential Portfolio Lead (with key responsibilities within our Children's Home)
• Accommodation & Transitions Portfolio Lead (focusing on placement transitions, independence skills, and preparation for adulthood)

As a Portfolio Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high quality support to vulnerable children and young people, helping them achieve positive and sustainable outcomes. You will provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to a small group of Keyworkers, ensuring practice is consistent, child focused, and aligned with the values and standards of the service.

Working as part of a dedicated multi-agency team, you will build strong relationships with children, families, professionals, and partner agencies to ensure coordinated and effective support. You will demonstrate a genuine commitment to safeguarding, promoting welfare, and empowering children and young people to reach their full potential.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced practitioner looking to further develop their leadership skills while making a real difference to the lives of children and young people within an innovative and expanding service.

You will be supported by Deputy Managers and the Registered Manager of the home.

The salary includes a +2 allowance to reflect regular evening and weekend working.

About you

As a Portfolio Lead, you will be an integral member of an experienced and dedicated management team, bringing strong leadership, sound professional judgement, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

You will have experience of working with children who have experienced crisis, trauma, family breakdown, or are at risk of entering care. You will understand the importance of relationship based and trauma informed practice and be passionate about creating environments where children feel safe, valued, listened to, and supported to reach their full potential. You will have a sound understanding of Childrens Home Regulations.

You will be comfortable balancing competing priorities, making decisions under pressure, and responding effectively to emerging risks whilst maintaining a clear focus on positive outcomes for children and families. You will be confident to be identified as the senior member of staff on site and lead shifts as required.

You will have experience of managing complex and crisis situations, working creatively with children, families, and partner agencies to identify solutions that prevent escalation and reduce the need for care. You will be skilled in building strong professional relationships and will work collaboratively with social care teams, fostering services, accommodation providers, and commissioning colleagues to ensure children are supported through transitions and can access the most appropriate placements when accommodation is required.

You will be committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for children and families and will share our belief that, wherever it is safe to do so, children should be supported to remain within or return to their family networks. You will bring creativity, innovation, and determination to your practice, helping to shape interventions that build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable change.

Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and that you will be required to meet the cost of the DBS check currently £41. The payment for this will be deducted from your first four months’ salary payments at a rate of £10.25 per month. If you do not commence employment for any reason but the DBS has been processed, you will be sent an invoice for the payment of £41.

If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants