Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Part Time

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 (phone number removed).