Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Safeguarding & Quality Assurance

Job Details

• Location: Sefton, Merseyside
• Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
• Contract: 10-Week Fixed-Term Assignment
• PAYE Rate: £29.00 per hour
• Umbrella/Limited Rate: £38.14 per hour
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid – 3 Days Office-Based / 2 Days Remote

About the Role

Service 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. This 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. The 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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Essential Requirements

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

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive hourly rates: £29.00 PAYE / £38.14 Umbrella.
• Hybrid working: 2 days working remotely and 3 days office-based.
• Initial 10-week assignment.
• Opportunity to contribute to safeguarding and quality assurance within an established Local Authority.
• Dedicated support from an experienced Social Work recruitment consultant at Service Care Solutions.

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