Children In Need Reviewing Officer

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide independent oversight and review of Child in Need (CIN) plans for children and families receiving services under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. The postholder will ensure that plans are child-centred outcome-focused and effectively safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The role involves chairing Child in Need review meetings monitoring progress against agreed plans challenging drift and delay and promoting high standards of safeguarding practice across childrens services.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair Child in Need review meetings in accordance with statutory requirements local procedures and best practice standards.
  
• Ensure the voice wishes feelings and lived experiences of children are central to all review processes and decision-making.
  
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Child in Need plans ensuring intended outcomes are achieved and risks are appropriately managed.
  
• Provide independent scrutiny and oversight of Child in Need plans assessments and interventions.
  
• Identify and challenge drift delay or inadequate planning and escalate concerns where safeguarding risks are not being effectively addressed.
  
• Monitor safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate actions are taken to protect children from harm.
  
• Identify cases requiring escalation to Child Protection procedures legal planning or other statutory interventions.
  
• Ensure thresholds for intervention are consistently applied across services.
  
• Maintain oversight of children vulnerable to neglect abuse exploitation domestic abuse parental substance misuse and other safeguarding risks.
  
• Work collaboratively with social workers managers education health police and other partner agencies to promote effective multi-agency planning.
  
• Provide constructive professional challenge to ensure accountability and high-quality practice.
  
• Produce clear accurate and timely review records recommendations reports and management information.
  
• Maintain accurate electronic records in line with data protection and organisational requirements.
  
• Monitor compliance with review timescales statutory expectations and service standards.
  
• Contribute to quality assurance activities audits service reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
• Identify themes trends and learning from Child in Need reviews and support the development of best practice across safeguarding services.
  
• Promote equality diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
  

Requirements

• Qualified Social Worker (Degree DipSW CQSW or equivalent).
  
• Current registration with Social Work England.
  
• Significant post-qualification experience within childrens social care services.
  
• Extensive experience of safeguarding practice and Child in Need casework.
  
• Thorough knowledge of the Children Act 1989 safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children.
  
• Strong understanding of Child in Need processes risk assessment child development and safeguarding frameworks.
  
• Experience chairing professional meetings and facilitating multi-agency discussions.
  
• Experience of quality assurance auditing reviewing practice or providing independent oversight.
  
• Ability to analyse complex information and make sound professional judgements.
  
• Strong communication influencing and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Ability to provide constructive challenge and professional scrutiny where required.
  
• Excellent report writing recording and organisational skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.
  
• Skilled in engaging children and ensuring their voices influence planning and decision-making.
  
• Experience within a reviewing quality assurance or independent oversight role is desirable.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per Week: Insert Hours
  
• Payment: Bi-Weekly
  
• Location: Insert Location
  

Required Skills:

Children and Families Education and Wellbeing

Required Education:

SW Registration

Employment Type : Full Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1