Independent Reviewing Officer

Austin Fraser; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Children's Social Care
Location: Tameside
Pay Rate: £40.00 per hour
Contract Length: Initial 3 months (high likelihood of extension)
Working Arrangements: In-person reviews (not virtual), travel to placements required

Tameside Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to play a pivotal role in safeguarding and promoting the well-being of their cared for children. This role is integral in ensuring that children and young people in care receive the best possible support, oversight, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Chairing Cared-for Reviews: Facilitate and lead statutory reviews for looked after children, ensuring their care plans meet their needs and comply with legal requirements. Reviews are conducted in person at the child's placement.
2. Quality Assurance & Auditing: Conduct practice impact reviews (audits) to assess the effectiveness of care planning, social work interventions, and multi-agency working.
3. Child-focused Case Oversight: Undertake regular IRO visits to children and young people to ensure their voices are heard, and complete midpoint reviews to track progress.
4. Caseload Management: Initially take on a caseload of approximately 60 children/young people. Due to prior inconsistencies in case management, there will be a significant need to reorganise and bring stability to the caseload. Over time, this caseload will increase to align with other IROs (typically around 85).
5. Multi-Agency Collaboration: Work closely with social workers, carers, families, and partner agencies to ensure children's plans are effective, meet their best interests, and comply with statutory guidance.
6. Challenge and Escalation: Where necessary, challenge poor practice, escalate concerns, and advocate for improved outcomes for children in care.

Essential Requirements:

1. Substantial experience as a Team Manager in Children's Social Care and/or previous experience as an IRO
2. Expert knowledge of relevant legislation and statutory guidance related to looked after children (Children Act 1989, IRO Handbook, Care Planning Regulations)
3. Exceptional organisational and workload management skills to restructure and stabilise an inherited caseload
4. Strong communication and advocacy skills to ensure children's voices are central to decision making
5. Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment when reviewing and challenging care planning decisions

Interested? Call me on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed)