2-Month Contract with a Local Authority
Summary
* The Independent Chair is tasked with leading Child Protection Conferences and statutory review meetings for Looked After Children, ensuring that the child’s voice and experiences are at the forefront of all decisions. This role is crucial in ensuring that decisions and recommendations prioritise the child's best interests by considering harm, risk, and need. Responsibilities also include chairing Foster Carer Annual Reviews and constructively challenging service effectiveness, with the authority to escalate concerns to senior management or CAFCASS when necessary.
Responsibilities
* Chair multi-agency Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews.
* Make threshold decisions on Child Protection Plans.
* Conduct midway audits and escalate safeguarding concerns when necessary.
* Maintain independence and challenge poor practice.
Essential Experience Required
* Minimum 5 years of post-qualifying experience in children’s social work, including management.
* Experience in chairing complex statutory meetings.
* Proven ability to challenge and influence senior leaders.
* Experience embedding systemic, trauma-informed, and anti-racist practice.
Essential Qualifications Required
* Recognised Social Work qualification.
* Current registration with Social Work England.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Enhanced DBS clearance.
Additional Information
* Working hours: 36 hours per week.
* Enhanced DBS required.
* Most work is expected to be in person, with CP conferences held at the Hackney office and looked after reviews conducted where the child is placed, typically in or near the borough, though some children are placed at a distance.
The role closes soon, apply ASAP.