Our client, Stafford-shire County Council, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join their Safeguarding & Review Service.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated social work professional to play a pivotal role in safeguarding children, promoting permanence, and ensuring that the rights, voices, and outcomes of children and young people remain at the heart of all planning and review processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair Child Protection Conferences and Statutory Reviews for Looked After Children in accordance with safeguarding procedures, legislation, and Children's Care Planning, Placement and Case Review Regulations.
- Provide expert professional advice and guidance to practitioners, managers, and partner agencies regarding safeguarding, child protection, care planning, and permanency.
- Contribute to quality assurance activities by monitoring compliance with statutory requirements, service standards, policies, procedures, and inter-agency protocols.
- Escalate concerns relating to children subject to Child Protection Plans where progress is insufficient, including formal escalation to senior leaders and the Director of Children's Services in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance.
- Exercise the statutory dispute resolution process for Looked After Children where necessary, including escalation to the Director of Children's Services and referral to CAFCASS where appropriate.
- Advocate for children's rights and take action where there are concerns regarding breaches of children's welfare, entitlements, or human rights.
- Scrutinise and monitor key planning documentation, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), Personal Education Plans (PEPs), and Health Assessments, escalating concerns where required.
- Ensure children, young people, parents, carers, and families are fully involved in planning and review processes, promoting participation and partnership working throughout.
Tempest Resourcing is one of the UK's leading Social Care recruitment agencies, proudly supplying high-quality candidates to more local authorities than any other provider. As a Tier 1 supplier to a significant number of councils across the country, we're perfectly positioned to help you - or someone you know - secure your next opportunity.
If you're interested in the role above or would like a confidential chat about your career options, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to support your next move.
Tempest Social Work Team
0203 651 3181
