Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

Job Description

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Safeguarding & Quality Assurance\n
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Location: Sefton, Merseyside\n
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council\n
Contract: 10-Week Fixed-Term Assignment\n
PAYE Rate: £29.00 per hour\n
Umbrella/Limited Rate: £38.14 per hour\n
Working Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote\n
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About the Role\n
\nService Care Solutions are currently recruiting for an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council's Safeguarding & Quality Assurance Service on an initial 10-week assignment.\n
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\nThis is an excellent opportunity for an experienced, qualified Social Worker with a strong background in Children's Services, safeguarding and care planning to contribute to the delivery of high-quality services for children and young people.\n
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\nThe successful candidate will play a key role in independently reviewing care plans, monitoring the effectiveness of services and ensuring that children's voices, wishes and feelings remain central to decisions affecting their lives.\n
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Key Responsibilities\n

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• Chair and facilitate statutory reviews for Children Looked After, ensuring that care plans are appropriate, effective and focused on achieving positive outcomes.
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• Independently monitor the Local Authority's performance in relation to children's care planning and safeguarding responsibilities.
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• Ensure that children and young people's wishes, feelings and experiences are appropriately represented throughout the review process.
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• Challenge practice and escalate concerns where care planning, safeguarding arrangements or service delivery do not meet required standards.
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• Work collaboratively with Social Workers, Team Managers, foster carers, families and partner agencies to promote effective multi-agency working.
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• Monitor the progress of agreed actions and ensure care plans are reviewed within statutory timescales.
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• Promote high standards of safeguarding practice and compliance with relevant legislation, policies and statutory guidance.
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• Contribute to quality assurance processes and identify opportunities for continuous service improvement.
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Essential Requirements\n

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• Recognised Social Work qualification (Degree, Diploma or equivalent).
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• Current registration with Social Work England.
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• Substantial post-qualifying experience within Children's Social Care.
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• Strong working knowledge of the Children Act 1989, statutory reviewing processes and safeguarding legislation.
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• Experience of working with Children Looked After and managing complex safeguarding situations.
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• Excellent communication, analytical and report-writing skills.
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• Ability to provide independent professional challenge and make evidence-based recommendations.
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• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage statutory deadlines.
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Previous experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer or within a safeguarding and quality assurance role would be highly advantageous.\n
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What's on Offer?\n

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• Competitive hourly rates: £29.00 PAYE / £38.14 Umbrella.
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• Hybrid working: 2 days working remotely and 3 days office-based.
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• Initial 10-week assignment.
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• Opportunity to contribute to safeguarding and quality assurance within an established Local Authority.
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• Dedicated support from an experienced Social Work recruitment consultant at Service Care Solutions.
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Referral Bonus – Earn £200!\n
\nDo you know an experienced Social Worker or Independent Reviewing Officer who could be suitable for this opportunity?\n
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\nAt Service Care Solutions, we offer a £200 referral bonus for successfully referring a qualified Social Worker who is placed into a role through us.\n
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\nYou don't need to be looking for a new position yourself to benefit!\n

\n Referral bonuses are subject to Service Care Solutions' terms and conditions.\n
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How to Apply\n
\nIf you're an experienced Social Worker or Independent Reviewing Officer looking for your next opportunity within Children's Services, I'd be keen to hear from you!\n
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\nFor a confidential discussion about this position or other permanent and locum Social Work opportunities, please contact:\n
Nik Froud\n
\nAssociate Recruitment Consultant – Social Work\n
Service Care Solutions\n
Email: \n
Telephone: 01772 208964\n
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\nlternatively, send your updated CV directly to the email address above, and I'll be happy to discuss the opportunity further.\n

\n Take the next step in your Social Work career with Service Care Solutions!