Social Worker

Bury Council has a new permanent position available for an Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Chair to work full time based in Bury, Greater Manchester. Location: Bury, Greater ManchesterWorking Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per weekContract: PermanentSalary: £46,731 – £47,754 per annum The Council is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the well‑being of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees to uphold this dedication. Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory background check via the Disclosure and Barring Service at the appropriate level. Benefits of the role: Convenient Parking: Complimentary car parking pass Professional Fee Coverage: Reimbursement of your Social Work England registration fees. Work‑Life Balance: Flexible and adaptable working arrangements to encourage and help you to fulfil a healthy work‑life balance Educational Incentives: Receive a reward of up to £1000 upon successful completion of the practice educator program for social work students Training and Development: Access to extensive training programmes Health and Fitness Benefits: Exclusive discounts on gym memberships and access to salary sacrifice schemes Generous Leave Policy: Attractive annual leave allowance with the benefit of Greater Manchester Combined Authority continuous service commitment. Financial Security: Participation in a highly competitive local government pension scheme. Main Duties of the Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Chair: Deliver Social Work Services: Provide high‑quality social work services to children in need and their families, adhering to the principles outlined in the Children Act. Assess and Safeguard: Conduct detailed assessments and inquiries for children who may have experienced or are at risk of significant harm. Seek legal orders as needed, with appropriate management and legal advice, to protect these children. Collaborate in Diverse Settings: Engage with service users in various environments, including their homes, the office, and other relevant settings for social work practice. Prepare Professional Reports: Draft comprehensive and professional reports for various purposes, including court proceedings. Court Representation: Represent the Local Authority in court, providing verbal evidence during public and private hearings and presenting written evidence as required. Maintain Accurate Records: Ensure that all client records are meticulously kept in compliance with statutory and departmental requirements. Attend and Contribute to Meetings: Participate in and, where necessary, lead child protection conferences, statutory reviews, core groups, and departmental meetings, contributing effectively to the proceedings. Case Transfers: Represent the Local Authority during the transfer of cases between authorities, ensuring a smooth transition. Plan and Implement Support: Assist in the development and execution of plans for children in need, including child protection, looked‑after children, and family support. Team Development: Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the social work team by attending and participating in team meetings and supporting team development initiatives. Provide Cover: Offer support to the Children and Families Social Work Teams as needed. Direct Work with Service Users: Apply a broad range of social work skills, methods, and techniques when working directly with service users. Collaborate with Professionals: Work cooperatively with other social workers and professionals as deemed appropriate by the Fieldwork Team Manager or their supervisors. Administrative Support: Assist in the organization and administration of social work duties associated with the role. Service Planning and Monitoring: Provide information to aid in the planning, implementation or monitoring of services for departmental or official purposes. Professional Networking: Work effectively within established professional and family networks to support individual children and their families. Adhere to Policies: Follow departmental, council and government policies and procedures diligently. Supervision and Development: Participate in supervision as per departmental guidelines and adhere to any plans or commitments made during supervision sessions. Chair Meetings: Lead meetings within child protection procedures when agreed upon by the Team Manager or Fieldwork Managers. Advocacy: Advocate for clients with other local authority departments and with private and voluntary agencies, ensuring no conflict with the role of a local authority employee. Duty Rota: Participate in the Social Work duty rota, providing support as required. Safeguarding Commitment: Be responsible for and dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, ensuring their protection from harm. Key Requirements for this role: Possess a degree in Social Work (such as CQSW, CSS, DiPSW or an equivalent qualification) Must be registered with Social Work England Comprehensive knowledge of the Children Act 1989 Thorough understanding of the developmental stages of children and adolescents Proven ability to conduct detailed analyses and produce high‑quality written reports Reasonable Adjustments: If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement. Why Bury? Supportive, progressive, and community‑focused Bury Council is community‑focused and dedicated to empowering both its residents and Social Workers. Joining the team means working in a supportive environment where professional growth is encouraged. The Council offers flexible working arrangements, balancing time between the office, home, and the community. Bury is committed to equality, valuing the unique skills and experiences of all individuals. The Council guarantees interviews for disabled people, care leavers, armed forces personnel (including veterans and reservists) and carers, provided they meet essential criteria. Nurturing Training Including: Aspiring Managers Programme and accredited Best Interests Assessor training and opportunities to develop new and specialist skills. Rising to 31 days after 5 years, plus an additional day of leave over the Christmas period and the option to buy an additional 10 days on top of that. Flexible Working 37 hour full time working week with a range of opportunities to work flexibly which they're happy to discuss. Work‑life Balance A range of flexible and adaptable working initiatives to maintain a healthy work‑life balance. Work, live and thrive in Bury Council Bury offers a strong sense of community, making it ideal for social workers. With various local charities and support services, it provides opportunities to engage with and support vulnerable groups in a collaborative environment. The town also boasts affordable living compared to nearby Manchester, with great transport links to the city and easy access to nearby countryside. Bury combines convenience, a welcoming community, and a balanced lifestyle, making it the perfect place to live and practice. Apply Now Start your journey with Bury Council. Application form on single job posts and dynamic jobs board. #J-18808-Ljbffr