Manchester City Council
Lifelong Links Facilitator
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Working Hours: 35 Hours per week
Contract Type: Full time/Permanent
Additional Payments: Essential car user allowance
Closing Date: 05 August 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
This Role Is Subject To
Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
Diploma Level III Caring for Children and Young People (equivalent or above).
Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA)
Essential Car Documentation- This post is a designated Essential Car User. Therefore, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work. You will receive the Essential Car User Allowance.
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
About the Role
We’re looking for a committed and confident Lifelong Links Facilitator to join our service. This is a chance to make a real difference for children, young people and families across Manchester, empowering them to create safe and sustainable plans that keep children connected to those who know them best.
What You’ll Do
- Help children and young who are living in care and care leavers to reconnect with significant people from their lives.
- Build trusting relationships and deliver direct work with children and young people to explore their wider family and support network.
- Ensure children’s wishes and feelings are central to every decision.
- Prepare, arrange and facilitate Lifelong Links Family Group Conferences.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, partner agencies and community services.
- Promote the Lifelong Links service and contribute to innovative approaches that improve outcomes.
Someone Who
Who We’re Looking For
- Communicates clearly, listens deeply and builds rapport quickly.
- Creative, adaptable and can respond to the wishes and feelings of children and young people.
- Organises workload effectively and takes ownership.
- Lives the Our Manchester behaviours - working together, valuing differences and striving for better outcomes.
Skills & Experience
- Level 3 Diploma in Caring for Children and Young People (or equivalent/above).
- Experience working directly with children, young people or families.
- Experience of FGC/Family Group Decision Making.
- Strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
- Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
- Willingness to undertake physical intervention training and an enhanced DBS check.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings.
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Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive and values-driven team in a local authority rated Outstanding by Ofsted - a place where innovation, strengths-based practice and genuine partnership with families are at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about empowering families and helping children stay safe, connected and supported, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape brighter futures for Manchester’s children.
For an informal discussion, please contact the hiring manager, Joanne Cochrane, on 07432639385 or email joanne.cochrane@manchester.gov.uk to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role.
About Us
Lifelong Links aims to ensure that a child in care or a care leaver has someone to rely on. As such, you will have a strong belief in valuing, supporting and maintaining family connections for all children and young people who are care experienced.
You will need to be committed to improving outcomes for children and promoting the child’s wishes and feelings. You will develop good joint working partnerships, with Families, Children and Young People and their significant others, contributing to the development and implementation of the family plan.
You will need to be adaptable and responsive to the needs of the children, young people and their support network and able to confidently prepare and facilitate a Family Group Conference.
The role holder will be a team player who can demonstrate a flexible and dynamic approach to their role. This may include you being willing to travel for visits or hold conferences in the evening or at weekends.
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester
Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours
- We take time to listen and understand
- We work together and trust each other
- We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
- We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
- We’re proud and passionate about Manchester
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks during our annual leave purchase period.
- A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
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Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Requirements
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
- Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?
When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering
- A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
What We Will Need From You If You're Successful
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.
Pre-Employment Checks
If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve
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