In this role you champion the voices of looked-after children and guide care planning to secure their best interests. You will lead statutory reviews, challenge drift, and work with a wide network of professionals to improve outcomes. Based in Leeds’ Integrated Safeguarding Unit, you will apply social work expertise with restorative practices to shape child-centred plans. The role offers scope to influence corporate parenting and contribute to system-wide learning and development. This is a high-impact position at a major city employer with a clear mission to protect and empower children.
Pay / Benefits
competitive salary
annual leave and statutory holidays
West Yorkshire Pension Fund
flexible and hybrid working arrangements
clear career pathway and professional development
wellbeing benefits
Responsibilities
Chair statutory Looked After Child Reviews and Adoption Reviews and other reviews where appropriate
Monitor local authority performance on care plans and ensure child wishes and feelings are considered
Identify drift or delay in care planning and challenge as needed
Promote the voice of the child and build relationships with children, families and professionals
Lead reviews to agree clear, timely actions and maintain momentum toward permanence
Provide an independent view on corporate parenting and raise improvement where needed
Contribute to policy, practice, and inter-agency training and development
Collaborate with multi-agency partners to deliver high-quality reviews and safeguarding outcomes
Prepare and contribute to monitoring reports for senior management
Represent the IRO service in service development projects and training
Key requirements
Qualified social worker registered with Social Work England
Five years’ post-qualifying experience including work with looked after children and care leavers
Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and regulations (Children Act 1989, Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations 2010)
Ability to chair complex, multi-disciplinary meetings and produce clear recommendations
Excellent organisational, diary management and report-writing skills
Strong communication and relationship-building with children, families, carers and professionals
Analytical skills and ability to reflect on practice with supervision to inform decisions
Good IT skills including updating and interrogating children’s care records
Commitment to anti-oppressive practice and equality standards
Flexible to work within service requirements and adapt to change
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