Independent Reviewing Officer

An opportunity has arisen for an Independent Reviewing Officer to join the Safeguarding and Quality Unit for Sefton Children’s Services.

As a Child Protection Chair you will make a difference by delivering on the effective chairing and leadership of Child Protection conferences to identify risks and all relevant factors, to ensure a clear multi-agency plan of action to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare. In the role of Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) for Cared for Children you will advocate for children cared for by Sefton, ensuring that each child has a comprehensive care plan and permanency is achieved at the earliest possible opportunity.

You will make a difference by having a positive impact and being a driver for change, to achieve best outcomes to our children, young people and families.

**What will you be doing?**
- You will be required to chair Child Protection Conferences to the expected high standards and within Government timescales and guidance.
- You will be required to undertake cared for children reviews in compliance with statutory guidance and ensuring permanency planning is in place.
- You will ensure that the local authority acts as a good corporate parent and challenge appropriately drift or delay in the progression of plans for children in care.
- Where appropriate you will liaise with CAFCASS and the Courts to ensure compliance with Court agreed Care Plans for children where this is not being satisfactorily achieved.
- You will identify and address areas of concern, to challenge practice and standards.
- You will develop expertise in at least one area of safeguarding practice, to inform policy and planning, and practice development and to continue to the delivery of training to staff across agencies.
- You will participate in the Quality Assurance Framework, undertaking audits on a regular basis.

**What we need from you**
- You will hold a professional recognised social work qualification.
- You must have substantive post-qualification experience in a statutory child care setting.
- You must be able to chair formal meetings and demonstrate up to date knowledge of legislation, regulations and codes of practice relating to Child Protection and Children In Care.
- You will demonstrate an ability to critically analyse information, balance opposing views and interests whilst maintaining a child focus.
- You will demonstrate an ability to communicate with children and young people and their parents and have good inter-personal and written communication skills.
- Although not essential, you may have previous management/ supervisory experience in a statutory child care setting.
- Please note that due to the nature of this role it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post

What we will offer you:

- A warm Sefton welcome
- A comprehensive induction programme
- Support from Team Manager and Service Manager
- Good quality, regular, reflective supervision
- Manageable caseloads
- Excellent training and development opportunities including a wide-ranging offer from our in-house workforce training and development unit as well as access to a number of external accredited opportunities
- Partnership with Research in Practice, providing access to online webinars, podcasts and materials linked to the latest research and policy updates to support your CPD and inform evidence-based reports
- 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days with 5 years continual service and 8 bank holidays
- Enhanced sick pay scheme, maternity/adoption leave pay and maternity support leave
- Opportunities for agile/flexible working
- Access to free eye tests and where appropriate, contribution towards spectacles
- Occupational Health Service available to advise on work related health issues
- Commitment to supporting staff’s emotional and mental health with access to a free and confidential employee counselling service
- Discounted gym membership with all Active Sefton gyms
- Cycle to work scheme
- Salary sacrifice schemes including childcare vouchers
- Access to local benefits and discounts on products and services
- Relocation package as appropriate

**Please look at our video and see how together we #MakeADifference**
- **sefton.gov.uk/socialworkrecruitment**

**Equal Opportunities**:
**How to apply**:
Please note, we do not accept CV’s (unless specified on the advert).