Independent Reviewing Officer (Social Worker)
JOB-20240819-db742659
Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (Social Worker)
Specialism: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO)
Location: Rochester, UK
Salary: £45.00 per hour
Salary Type: Hourly
Job Type: Locum, Full Time, Ongoing
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (Social Worker) to join a dedicated Children's Services team in Rochester. This ongoing full-time locum role offers an excellent hourly rate of £45.00 and provides the opportunity to play a pivotal role in safeguarding children and ensuring that the highest standards of care planning are achieved. If you are passionate about championing the rights and best interests of children in care, this is the ideal opportunity to further your career.
Perks and benefits:
- Locum Job: Enjoy the flexibility and variety that locum work provides, allowing you to achieve a healthy work-life balance while broadening your professional experience.
- Competitive Pay: Earn £45.00 per hour, recognising your expertise and commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for children and young people.
- Professional Development: Enhance your knowledge and skills through exposure to a wide range of complex cases and ongoing learning opportunities.
- Networking Opportunities: Work alongside experienced professionals across Children's Services, strengthening your multidisciplinary relationships.
- Supportive Working Environment: Join a collaborative team committed to delivering high-quality safeguarding services and continuous improvement.
What you will do:
- Chair statutory reviews for children in care, ensuring care planning is robust, child-focused, and outcome-driven.
- Independently monitor the implementation and effectiveness of care plans, ensuring the needs and welfare of children remain the central focus.
- Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, partner agencies, and families to promote positive outcomes for children and young people.
- Ensure children's views, wishes, and feelings are heard and fully considered throughout the review process.
- Challenge practice where necessary to ensure compliance with statutory guidance, legislation, and local procedures.
- Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and timely records of review meetings, recommendations, and decisions.
- Provide professional advice, guidance, and constructive challenge to social work teams to improve practice and service delivery.
- Monitor performance against statutory timescales and escalate concerns where children's plans are not progressing appropriately.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, and associated statutory guidance.
Requirements:
- A recognised Social Work qualification.
- Current registration with Social Work England.
- Significant post-qualification experience within Children's Social Care.
- Previous experience working as an Independent Reviewing Officer or in a senior safeguarding role is highly desirable.
- Excellent knowledge of children's legislation, safeguarding procedures, care planning, and statutory review processes.
- Strong communication, leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Rochester offers an outstanding place to live and work, combining historic charm with modern amenities. Situated along the River Medway, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage, excellent transport links, vibrant cafés, independent shops, and beautiful riverside scenery. Whether you're exploring Rochester Castle, enjoying local festivals, or relaxing by the waterfront, you'll find a fantastic balance between career development and quality of life.
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Salary range
- £45 per hour