Children’s Independent Reviewing Officer
Join Tower Hamlets Children's Services as an Independent Reviewing Officer!
Location: Whitechapel Tower Hamlets, London
Salary: Competitive salary £56,733 - £59,772 plus retention allowance and travel allowance
Benefits: Up to 31 days annual leave, Local Government Pension Scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, and more!
Tower Hamlets Children's Services is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker to join our Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service as an Independent Reviewing Officer. As part of our OUTSTANDING Children’s Service, you will play a pivotal role in advocating for child looked after and care leavers.
About the Role: In this role, you will chair Care Leavers transition reviews, which take place following their 18th Birthday, and Children Looked Ater Reviews making sure children’s plans are being progressed. Your expertise will be vital in ensuring that the right decisions are made at the right time, and that children and families are included in developing their plans. You will:
- Chair Care Leaver Transition Reviews and Children Looked After Reviews in person, review their care plan, and ensure their needs are being met. On occasion you will need to chair child protection conferences and child in need reviews.
- Provide professional consultation, support, and challenge to social work practitioners and managers about children looked after / care leavers, ensuring their needs are being met.
- Develop SMART plans with children, parents, and carers that are focused on positive, measurable outcomes.
- Monitor progress on plans and identify barriers to the implementation of children’s plans within the wider multi-agency system.
What We’re Looking For: We are seeking a highly skilled Social Worker who:
- Have managerial experience supervising staff and front-line safeguarding experience.
- Are registered with Social Work England.
- Possesses a strong understanding of The Care Planning, Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010, child protection legislation, family court processes, and children’s rights.
- Are adept at chairing multi-agency meetings, ensuring children’s participation and parents are engaged, and resolving differences.
- Have outstanding communication and written skills.
- Are passionate about diversity, inclusion, and advocating for the best outcomes for children and families.
- Are committed to sharing knowledge and learning to improve practice.
- Can proactively ensure children’s outcomes are at the heart of decision-making.
Why Join Tower Hamlets?
- Excellent Work Environment: Modern, refurbished Town Hall opposite Whitechapel Station.
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: Market supplement, up to 31 days of annual leave, and Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Flexible Working Options: Consideration for part-time or flexible working arrangements.
- Manageable Caseloads: Giving you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with families
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Including the City Bike Hire Scheme for easy commuting.
Take the Next Step in Your Career! If you're passionate about making a difference and shaping the future of children looked after and care leavers, we want to hear from you. This is your chance to join a team that’s dedicated to delivering excellence for children in care and leaving care.
For any questions or queries about the role, please get in touch with Shirley Quashie-Dunne Shirley.Quashie-Dunne@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Deadline for the post: 13th July 2025
Interviews: Friday 1st August 2025
How to Apply
Please apply online via the link provided.