Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Part Time
Location: Southend-on-Sea City Council
Department: People Services
Job Type: Part-Time (22 hours per week)
Salary: Level 10
Are you passionate about making a difference in children's lives? Join Southend-on-Sea City Council as a part-time Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)! In this vital role, you will work to ensure the well-being of children under our care, monitoring and reviewing their care plans to promote their welfare, protect them from harm, and improve their outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Chair reviews for children in foster, adoptive, and residential placements, ensuring that care plans meet legal and council standards.
- Facilitate meaningful engagement with children, parents, and professional agencies to ensure that care plans focus on positive outcomes.
- Chair Child Protection Conferences in line with SET Child Protection Procedures.
- Monitor care plans and escalate any concerns through formal channels when necessary.
- Uphold and promote anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist practices.
- Ensure that all meetings and documentation are timely, thorough, and focused on improving children's lives.
Qualifications:
- Essential: Registered Social Worker with Social Work England, with a Diploma, BA/BSc, or MA/MSc in Social Work.
- Desirable: Post-qualification awards.
Experience:
- Significant experience in statutory social work teams, especially in fostering, adoption, and complex case management.
- Experience chairing multi-disciplinary meetings and producing high-standard written reports.
- Experience working under pressure with tight deadlines in sensitive, high-profile situations.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work with children, families, and professionals.
- Ability to provide clear, supportive direction and challenge when necessary to achieve the best outcomes for children.
- Proficiency in computer systems to manage records and research information.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage changing priorities effectively.
Why Join Us?
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible impact in children's lives. You will work as part of a dedicated team that promotes diversity, integrity, and respect across all interactions.
Additional Information:
- Hybrid working model: combination of home, office, and community-based work.
- Requirement to travel within and outside Southend.
- Driving license required.
Apply Today to become a crucial part of Southend-on-Sea's commitment to safeguarding children and driving positive change in their lives.
For more information, please contact Callum Parr at Ackerman Pierce recruitment agency on .