Working Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote
About the Role
Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council's Safeguarding & Quality Assurance Service on an initial 10-week assignment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced, qualified Social Worker with a strong background in Children's Services, safeguarding and care planning to contribute to the delivery of high-quality services for children and young people. The successful candidate will play a key role in independently reviewing care plans, monitoring the effectiveness of services and ensuring that children's voices, wishes and feelings remain central to decisions affecting their lives.
Key Responsibilities
Chair and facilitate statutory reviews for Children Looked After, ensuring that care plans are appropriate, effective and focused on achieving positive outcomes.
Independently monitor the Local Authority's performance in relation to children's care planning and safeguarding responsibilities.
Ensure that children and young people's wishes, feelings and experiences are appropriately represented throughout the review process.
Challenge practice and elevate concerns where care planning, safeguarding arrangements or service delivery do not meet required standards.
Work collaboratively with Social Workers, Team Managers, foster carers, families and partner agencies to promote effective multi-agency working.
Monitor the progress of agreed actions and ensure care plans are reviewed within statutory timescales.
Promote high standards of safeguarding practice and compliance with relevant legislation, policies and statutory guidance.
Contribute to quality assurance processes and identify opportunities for continuous service improvement.
Essential Requirements
Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma or equivalent).
Current registration with Social Work England.
Substantial post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care.
Strong working knowledge of the Children Act 1989, statutory reviewing processes and safeguarding legislation.
Experience of working with Children Looked After and managing complex safeguarding situations.
Excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
Ability to provide independent professional challenge and make evidence-based recommendations.
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage statutory deadlines.
Previous experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer or within a safeguarding and quality assurance role would be highly advantageous.
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