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)