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- Tasks: Lead Child Protection Conferences and reviews for vulnerable children in Calderdale.
- Company: Join Calderdale Council, dedicated to safeguarding and improving community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant Social Work qualification and experience in child protection.
- Other info: Remote work flexibility available; commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 27430 - 29226 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable, the skills, qualifications, and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Application closing date: 20/07/2025
Location: Halifax
Salary: PO10 – 13, £45,718 – £48,710 per annum, pro rata (Actual Salary £27,430 – £29,226 per annum)
Package: 22.2 hours per week, Permanent
Job category/type: Council
Attachments: Employee Benefits Leaflet.pdf, RP – Independent Reviewing Officer.pdf, Applicant Booklet – CMBC.pdf
Please note: Internal at-risk or redeployee applicants will be seen in the first instance.
The Safeguarding and QA Service are looking to appoint an Independent Reviewing Officer on a permanent basis to undertake the chairing of Child Protection Conferences and statutory reviews of Children who are Looked After in Calderdale.
This post offers an opportunity to participate in quality assurance work, which has contributed to improvements in practice across the Borough.
You will need demonstrable post-qualifying experience in statutory social work with children and families, and experience of chairing meetings involving children and families. You should have a thorough working knowledge of the legal framework relating to child protection and looked after children, including Care Planning Regulations and the duties and responsibilities of the IRO as set out in the IRO Handbook (DfE 2010).
You are required to hold a relevant Social Work qualification and SW England registration.
The post holder will carry a combined caseload (CP/CLA) and be part of a busy but supportive team. You will contribute to ensuring effective safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of vulnerable children and young people in Calderdale.
While the office base is in Halifax, there is flexibility to work from home and other offices within the local authority.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Applicants for posts exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS check before appointment.
For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Simon Buttler at 07734459562 or Kathryn Dempsey at 07738785315.
Closing date: Sunday 20th July 2025
Interview Date: w/c 28th July 2025
As part of our vision (https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision/), we aim to be a talented, resilient, and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer flexible working/job share opportunities for both full and part-time staff.
Calderdale Council embraces the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from underrepresented communities. All applications are anonymized before being reviewed by the selection panel.
For support with your application, please read our Application Booklet or visit our Employment Hub.
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Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Calderdale Council
Contact Detail:
Calderdale Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IRO Handbook and the legal framework surrounding child protection and looked after children. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Independent Reviewing Officers. They can provide valuable insights into the role and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by reflecting on your past experiences in statutory social work. Be ready to discuss specific cases where you successfully chaired meetings or contributed to safeguarding practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Simon Buttler or Kathryn Dempsey for an informal chat about the position. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Familiarise yourself with the legal framework and the specific duties outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in statutory social work, particularly with children and families. Emphasise any experience you have in chairing meetings and your knowledge of child protection regulations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for safeguarding children and your commitment to quality assurance. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, prepare by reviewing common questions related to child protection and your approach to working with vulnerable children. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the legal framework surrounding child protection and looked after children. Understanding the Care Planning Regulations and the IRO Handbook will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safeguarding.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your post-qualifying experience in statutory social work, particularly your role in chairing meetings. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've effectively managed complex cases involving children and families.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your ability to work within a supportive team environment. Discuss how you contribute to quality assurance and improvements in practice, showcasing your collaborative skills and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable children.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Inquire about the team's approach to safeguarding and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
