Independent Reviewing Ofr/Independent Child Protection Chair

Location Southwark
Salary £36.00 - £38.50 per hour
Discipline

2.1 To independently chair Child Protection Conferences, Looked after reviews and complex strategy meetings ensuring that child’s wishes and feelings are fully considered and appropriately weighted while taking into account the views of parents, carers and professionals in the required decision making.
2.2 To ensure appropriate preparation and liaison prior to all meetings. To ensure that reviews/conferences are chaired in line with Departmental and SSCB policy and procedures as well as Governmental guidance (e.g. Working Together).
2.3 In Child protection conferences, to make decisions about risk of significant harm and where required ensure that an effective multi-disciplinary Child Protection Plan is agreed, clarifying objectives to be met, by whom, in what timescales and to include contingencies.
2.4 To ensure that in chairing any meeting, that a child’s religious, social, educational, health, linguistic, emotional, racial, cultural and special needs are fully considered.
2.5 To ensure attention is paid to children’s participation and rights, eliciting their wishes and feelings in planning for them or reviewing their care arrangements. In particular to ensure that a child is seen independently when old enough and is aware of his/her right to complain and the possibility of advocacy.
2.6 In the role of Independent Reviewing officer to review and monitor the care plan of looked after children and raise concerns as appropriate with senior managers. To refer a case to the legal section of the Children and family court advisory and support service (CAFCASS) if every attempt to resolve the problem within the local authority has been exhausted, including to the level of chief executive.
2.7 To ensure that the decisions and outcomes of all meetings are appropriately documented and distributed within the agreed timescales and to take final accountability for accuracy and quality of such records.
2.8 To liaise with operational staff and managers (at all levels, but especially Team Managers) and across agencies, to ensure implementation of Child Protection and Child Care Plans.
2.9 To provide leadership and up to date expert advice and guidance to operational staff and managers at all levels (including staff Senior to the Postholder) with regard to understanding of current research, thresholds, professional standards and interventions.
2.10 To lead or participate in case audits or management reviews of the quality of child care/child protection work & give an overview and analysis of practice and the application of procedures across the Division, identify any gaps and develop initiatives/strategies for addressing shortfalls.
2.11 To deputise, as necessary, on behalf of Quality Assurance Managers as the Division’s representative at relevant meetings e.g. working groups, sub groups of the SSCB, London wide committees etc.
2.12 To play a lead role in the development of policies, procedures and protocols in response to changes in legislation, Council and Departmental policy and practices.
2.13 To develop and deliver training programmes for multi agency staff in Safeguarding and Looked after Children work, in conjunction with the Learning and Development Section. She/He may also act as a mentor or Practice teacher.
2.14 To manage specific multi agency & multi disciplinary projects on behalf of the Division or the Local Safeguarding Children Board including Staff Management, planning, delivery and evaluation.
2.15 To maintain electronic records and data as required
2.16 To attend Magistrates, County and High Courts as required and to give support and advice to staff required to attend Court.
2.17 To represent the Council at national and regional events on the development of strategy, policy and practice in relation to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children, when required.
2.18 To undertake any further duties consistent with the post, grade and the objectives
and work of the Quality Assurance & Safeguarding Unit as directed by the
Quality Assurance Manager.

Southwark are recruiting for an Independent Reviewing Officer to join our service whilst we recruit to permanent positions in the new year.
You will need to have significant experience as an IRO. We are looking for someone ideally to start on the 6th December.

e are looking for a full time agency Independent Reviewing Officer whilst we recruit to permanent positions in the new year.
As an IRO, you will be passionate about improving the lives of vulnerable children and their families and will set high expectations for all professionals working with children.
You will Act as an Independent Chairperson in Looked After Reviews overseeing the progression of timely and high quality plans for those children looked after by the local authority.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is a qualified social workers and registered with SW England. You must have significant IRO experience and be ready to step straight into the role.
Have 5 years post-qualifying experience with Children and Families
Are focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
Are able to establish constructive working relationships with staff in Children and Young People’s Services and other agencies.
Have the confidence and ability to work constructively with senior managers, offering a critical perspective and appropriate challenge. .
Required qualifications:
Hold a professional Social Care qualification to diploma level - Diploma in Social Work or equivalent.
Social Work England Registration essential.
Additional Information:
Be self-motivated and able to use own initiative
Be able to work under pressure and in stressful and challenging situations
Be able to demonstrate sensitivity, vigilance and professionalism in their work
Be flexible and able to travel and work in different locations, where our young people are living.
Confident with chairing reviews and recording them within timescales