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- Tasks: Lead reviews for children in care, ensuring their voices are heard and plans are effective.
- Company: Gateshead Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, referral bonuses, training budget, and flexible payment options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with experience in child protection and care services.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to high standards and continuous professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Gateshead Council is seeking an experienced, committed, and passionate Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) / Conference Chair to join our Children's Social Care team. This vital role supports our mission to achieve the best outcomes for children in our care and those in need of protection. You will work at the heart of our service, providing independent oversight and challenge to ensure children's voices are heard, their plans are robust, and their safety and wellbeing are prioritised.
Responsibilities
- Chair statutory reviews for children in our care, ensuring plans are child-centred, outcome-focused, and in line with the IRO Handbook and legislative requirements.
- Form positive relationships with children to ensure their views inform decision-making.
- Oversee and scrutinise care planning from the point of entry into care, promoting stability and permanence.
- Act as a Conference Chair for Child Protection Conferences, ensuring plans to protect children are realistic, timely, and effective.
- Hold partner agencies to account in their corporate parenting and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Provide robust challenge where needed and evidence the impact of your interventions.
- Maintain clear, comprehensive, and analytical records using council IT systems.
- Contribute to the wider development and high standards of social work practice, promoting relational and trauma‐informed approaches.
Requirements
- Qualified Social Worker, registered with Social Work England.
- Extensive post‐qualifying experience in children's services, particularly child protection and children in care.
- In‐depth understanding of relevant legislation, statutory frameworks, and current practice models.
- Confident chairing complex meetings and overseeing multi‐agency plans.
- Skilled in risk analysis, safeguarding, and quality assurance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with calm authority and resilience.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Benefits
- A specialist dedicated Social Work consultant offering single point of contact.
- Exceptional referral bonuses – £350 per referral placed in to work!
- An extensive & exclusive range of Social Work vacancies across the UK.
- Nationwide provider Social Work staff to over 200 local authorities.
- Payroll service twice a week.
- Ltd and PAYE payment options available.
- Annual training budget of up to £250 and continued online CPD training.
- Excellent Annual Loyalty schemes / bonuses.
- DBS disclosures provided via fast‐track online services free of charge.
Independent Review Officer (IRO) in Gateshead employer: Adult Social Care
Contact Detail:
Adult Social Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Review Officer (IRO) in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care field, especially those who might know about openings for Independent Reviewing Officers. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection legislation and the IRO Handbook. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise confidently and demonstrate how you can make a real difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your chairing skills! Since this role involves leading complex meetings, it’s crucial to show you can facilitate discussions effectively. Maybe even role-play with a friend to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Review Officer (IRO) in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the IRO role. Highlight your experience in children's services, particularly in child protection, and showcase your ability to chair complex meetings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for supporting children and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of relevant legislation and frameworks.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adult Social Care
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and statutory frameworks related to children's services. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the legal context of the role and can apply it effectively in practice.
✨Demonstrate Child-Centred Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to put children at the heart of decision-making. Think about specific cases where you’ve ensured children’s voices were heard and how you’ve influenced positive outcomes for them.
✨Showcase Your Chairing Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience chairing complex meetings. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed multi-agency plans and held partners accountable, as this is crucial for the IRO role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice your verbal communication skills before the interview. You’ll need to convey your thoughts clearly and assertively, especially when discussing sensitive topics like safeguarding and risk analysis. Consider mock interviews to refine your delivery.
