Independent Reviewing Officer
Redbridge is an ambitious, diverse and exciting east-London borough. What we do is driven by changing our relationship with local people to support our vision. As a result, we've developed innovative ways to build our communities and transform our Council.
We're one of the fastest growing parts of the country and the third most diverse London borough. Our communities are attracted by a mixture of excellent schools, relatively affordable housing, high-quality open space and rapid transport connections into the heart of the City.
An exciting opportunity to join the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service
An exciting role, a diverse community, an attractive location and an ambitious authority!
Here at Redbridge, we are committed and ambitious to deliver a high quality service to our children and young people and their families.
Are you child focused and keen to engage children, young people and their families to achieve better outcomes through well-planned intervention and care? Are you registered with Social Work England with significant experience of statutory social work with children and their families? If you have answered yes to both questions then we want to meet you!
We are looking for a highly motivated and innovative individual to become a part of the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service to fill a vacant post. The overall job description of this role is set out as a joint role of an Independent Reviewing Officer and a Child Protection Conference Chair. Although your main responsibility will be as a Child Protection Conference Chair, there will be an expectation that you are part of a duty rota and could be asked to cover for the LADO or chair Child Looked After Review meetings on occasion.
Although Child Protection Conferences are currently still being held virtually, we are moving to a hybrid version and the role will require you to attend meetings face to face and be in the office on your duty days. Child Looked After Review meetings are being held both virtually and face-to-face. Moving forward there will continue to be a balance between working from home and working from the office. The office is based in Lynton House, Ilford.
Do you have:
- Up to date knowledge of the legal framework for planning for children, and the associated regulations and guidance
- Experience of working a complex caseload including children who are looked after, child protection investigations and children who are subject to a child protection plan
- Experience of chairing meetings that involve children, parents and other professionals in making decisions
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent writing skills, to edit records of meetings using an electronic record system and the ability to write high quality case review minutes
- Strong organisation skills, confident about working to deadlines and able to manage a varied and sometimes challenging workload
- Registered with Social Work England with significant experience of statutory social work with children and their families.
Redbridge operates the ‘Strengthening Families’ model for Child Protection conferences. You will be expected to understand the model and be willing to undertake relevant training to ensure they are able to deliver this effectively.
For an informal discussion about the IRO post please contact Mariana Graham, Service Manager, Safeguarding & Quality Assurance on 0208 708 7904.
Interview Dates: 21/09/2023 and 22/09/2023
To apply for this post, you must submit an online application form along with uploading a copy of your CV and cover letter.
Ambitious for Redbridge
All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK. At the London Borough of Redbridge, we receive a high volume of great-quality applicants, we therefore may close a vacancy earlier than advertised. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.