Job Description
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend City Council are looking to appoint a 22hrs per week, permanent Independent Reviewing Officer to join the Safeguarding and Reviews Service. The successful candidates will be joining a service committed to ensuring plans for children in our care are progressed without delay and lead to improved outcomes for children.
As the newly appointed IRO, you will be required to chair child protection conferences in line with SET Child Protection Procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. You will review the cases of children who are looked after and take all necessary decisions to confirm the child's care plan.
You will monitor progress of plans for children between CLA Reviews and Child Protection Conferences to ensure their needs are being met.
By joining Southend, you will be joining a service that Ofsted reported in 2023 as 'Social workers who were spoken to during this visit were positive about working for Southend and reported feeling safe and 'belonging'. Social workers reported that management is thoughtful, considers successes and celebrates good practice...the senior leadership team are visible and social workers can discuss issues affecting their work with children.
There is a requirement that you are able to work Wednesdays, the other 2 days are flexible.
Within this position, there will be working from home opportunities every two weeks for administration duties, meetings will be onsite and in person.