Independent Reviewing Officer
Permanent, Full Time
£46,574 to £56,027 per annum
Location: Countywide
Working Style: Flexible
Closing Date: 3rd September 2025
Here in Essex, we continue to raise the bar in practice, and our investment in our workforce is second to none. It's an exciting time to join us, having received our 2nd Outstanding Ofsted rating in a row.
The Role
As an Independent Reviewing Officer for South and West Essex, you will require travel to chair looked after child reviews and visit children. Your primary responsibility is to provide an effective IRO service for children in care, in accordance with statutory regulation, guidance, and Essex County Council procedures. This includes reviewing cases of children who are looked after, as laid out in Volume 2 of the Care Planning, Placement and Case Review regulations (2021) and the IRO Handbook (2010).
Statutory Duties
* Monitor local authority performance regarding children's cases.
* Participate in reviews of children's cases.
* Ensure children's wishes and feelings are considered by the authority.
* Perform other prescribed functions in regulations.
The IRO's main focus is to quality assure the care planning and review process, ensuring children's needs, wishes, and feelings are prioritized. The review process aims to promote the child's welfare by considering their assessed needs and progress, and by establishing long-term and immediate plans to meet these needs.
Accountabilities
* Ensure statutory review meetings are timely, with all relevant parties involved.
* Monitor child progress between reviews and convene formal reviews if necessary.
* Communicate with senior management about failures to meet statutory obligations.
* Contribute to strategic and corporate plans to improve outcomes for children.
* Arrange access to advocacy and support children's participation in reviews.
* Act as an expert resource for staff on children in care issues.
* Produce reports and ensure documentation is completed within deadlines.
* Monitor and suggest improvements to the reviewing service.
* Stay informed about research impacting children in care and recommend improvements.
* Support the development of the Reviewing Service across Essex.
Additional requirements include a valid driving license and the ability to meet mobility needs through other means if necessary. The role may require a DBS check, and registration with the DBS update service is mandatory.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. For updates on opportunities and news, join our mailing list or contact us via email.
Qualifications and Experience
* Educated to Diploma or degree level in Social Work.
* PQ Childcare Award or equivalent.
* Current Social Work England Registration.
* Proven ability to build relationships with children and young people.
* Knowledge of statutory obligations, research, and best practices in children in care.
* Experience in operational planning, service delivery, and leading change within children's services.
* Experience in chairing meetings involving children, parents, and professionals.
* Understanding of legal frameworks related to children in care and court processes.
For more about Essex and our commitment to the community, visit our website. We offer flexible working options, support for unpaid carers, and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We encourage applications from disabled applicants, veterans, and care leavers, and provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Once employed, you'll benefit from numerous employee benefits and a supportive workplace culture.
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