Independent Reviewing Officer Looked After Children Safeguarding

Location Wirral
Salary £30.64 - £33.65 per hour
Discipline
Improve the life chances of children, and ensure that service provision leads to improved/positive outcomes for children. To scrutinise (and where necessary challenge) the Local Authority in relation to their function in providing for the needs of Looked After Children and those the subject of Child Protection Plans.


The main functions of the IRO are chairing the child’s review and monitoring the child’s case on an ongoing basis.


KEY TASKS


  • Ensure that the planning arrangements for Looked After Children are of the highest quality and in accordance with guidance and regulations as set out in the Children’s Act 1989, Independent Reviewing Officer’s Regulations and Guidance 2004; and Working Together 2013.
  • Organise, co-ordinate and manage Looked After Children Reviews and Child Protection Conferences as required, and act as a Chairperson and Advisor to such Reviews and Conferences. 
  • Assist the Service Manager in preparing reports, offering advice and maintaining information or performance targets for children on Child Protection Plans, Looked After Children and Pathway Plans.
  • Issue/invoke statutory dispute resolution procedures and act on behalf of children where services/plans are in breach of The Human Rights Act. To progress to judicial review when these procedures fail.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory guidance and regulations on care planning for children through the review process. Set and monitor that actions and recommendations from reviews and child protection conferences are met, engaging with Team and Service Managers when they are not in order to achieve good long term outcomes for children.
  • Undertake Case File Audits in line with best practice.
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Maximise financial capacity and support others in managing and sustaining value for money, challenging the team to identify, analyse and share best financial opportunities.
Create an environment where clear communication and engagement supports a culture of openness and transparency: where employees feel empowered, valued and listened to. 
  • Contribute to and champion the development of children’s services, locally and regionally.