1 - 2 month Contract With A Local Authority
Role Purpose
The Coordinator will chair Child Protection Conferences and undertake Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) responsibilities for Children in Care. The postholder will ensure that statutory duties are fulfilled in line with current legislation, statutory guidance, and local safeguarding procedures, while maintaining a strong focus on quality assurance and improved outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities
* Chair Initial and Review Child Protection Conferences in accordance with statutory timescales.
* Ensure effective multi-agency participation and robust challenge where required.
* Promote the voice of the child and ensure their views are central to planning.
* Ensure child protection plans are outcome-focused and measurable.
* Chair statutory reviews for Children in Care in line with legislative requirements and IRO Handbook guidance.
* Monitor the local authority’s performance in relation to individual children’s care plans.
* Provide appropriate challenge and escalation where plans are not progressing or are not in the child’s best interests.
* Ensure permanence planning is timely and robust.
* Contribute to quality assurance processes to ensure children receive the highest standard of service.
* Identify themes and areas for improvement across safeguarding and care planning.
* Support continuous service development and improvement initiatives.
* Maintain accurate and timely records.
* Work collaboratively with social workers, managers, partner agencies and families.
* Uphold high expectations in practice, reflective of the service’s commitment to excellence.
* Contribute to team learning and development.
Requirements
* Qualified Social Worker with current Social Work England registration.
* Minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience working with Children and Families.
* Managerial or supervisory experience (as required under Department for Children, Schools and Families – IRO Handbook Section 2.16, Regulation 46).
o This may include supervision of students or less experienced staff.
* Substantial experience in child protection and looked after children practice.
* Experience of chairing complex multi-agency meetings.
* Strong analytical and quality assurance skills.
* Ability to provide professional challenge appropriately and confidently
Additional Information
* Bi-Weekly Payments
* 37 Working Hours Per Week