3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• We are seeking an experienced and qualified Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to provide a high-quality statutory reviewing and quality assurance service for children who are looked after.
• The role also includes acting as Child Protection Conference Chair, supporting effective safeguarding and multi-agency working to protect children living in high-risk situations.
• You will play a crucial role in ensuring that care and protection plans are robust, child-centred, and outcome-focused, whilst maintaining oversight of practice standards and ensuring that the voice of the child remains central to all planning and decision-making processes.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Deliver the statutory reviewing function for looked-after children, ensuring plans are timely, appropriate, and of high quality.
• Act as Chair for Child Protection Conferences, promoting multi-agency collaboration and safeguarding best practices.
• Ensure that the views, wishes, and feelings of children and young people are fully considered and reflected in care planning.
• Maintain independent oversight and challenge on behalf of the child to ensure that services are meeting their needs.
• Monitor and track care plans to ensure progress and prevent drift or delay.
• Work with social work teams and partner agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
• Identify and escalate concerns regarding practice, performance, or compliance with statutory requirements.
• Contribute to service development and performance monitoring through analysis and feedback.
• Participate in training, supervision, and peer reviews as part of a continuous improvement culture.
• Use hybrid working methods including face-to-face and virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.
Skills/Experience:
• Extensive experience in looked-after children’s services and child protection.
• Previous experience as an IRO or CP Chair (or senior practitioner/team manager level).
• In-depth knowledge of The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, Children Act 1989, and associated regulations and statutory guidance.
• Proven ability to chair complex meetings and multi-agency forums.
• Strong understanding of child development, attachment, and trauma-informed practice.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to provide independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to professionals and agencies.
• Confident in using case management systems and digital tools for remote working.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement.
Additional Information:
• Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Care Wales.
• Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week.
• Location: Hybrid – office-based and remote (Teams).
• The closing date: 26/09/2025.