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- Tasks: Lead reviews for Care Experienced Children and safeguard families through collaborative planning.
- Company: Join Bridgend, a progressive authority committed to transforming children's services.
- Benefits: Full training, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Welsh language skills are a plus; DBS check required.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Registered Social Worker with three years' experience in Children's Services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting stage to join Bridgend which is recognised as an improved authority continuing to embed and sustain change. We are proud of the changes we have made and that people want to come and work with us. You will join a group of committed and enthusiastic professionals, who are working hard to transform our services.
You will actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of practice standards and development of skills across the Directorate. Bridgend Children's Social Care is embedding Signs of Safety Practice Model and your role as an IRO will be fundamental to supporting the continuation of this Social Work model both in Safeguarding work with families and in work with children who are Care Experienced. You will receive full training in how to use this model of working.
The team perform an essential role in the quality assurance process to ensure best outcomes for children. The role requires chairing statutory review meetings for all Care Experienced Children and Child Protection (safeguarding) conferences in person. You will work collaboratively with children, young people and their families to ensure plans are reviewed with robust oversight and coproduced in a meaningful way.
You will work closely with partner agencies, to facilitate sound, defensible decision making and effective planning. You will be fully aware of quality assurance frameworks and the need for continuous development of practice and the IRO role in supporting the Directorate in this matter.
As a registered Social Worker, you will need to have an embedded understanding of the Children Act 1989, the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and a knowledge and understanding of the role of the Independent Reviewing Officer, as required by the Adoption and Children Act 2002, and the IRO Standards, associated legislation and guidance, as well as at least three years' experience of working in Children's Services.
The ability to greet customers through the medium of Welsh is a requirement for this post. Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all council employees. An Enhanced with Children's Barred list criminal records check by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) is a requirement for this post. The council's Hybrid Working Policy applies to this post. This provides a framework for establishing how you will undertake working hours between your home and the office.
Closing Date: 13 May 2026
Shortlisting Date: 21 May 2026
Interview Date: 03 June 2026
Locations
Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend, Wales employer: BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend, Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field, especially those already working in Bridgend. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by understanding the Signs of Safety Practice Model. Show us that you’re not just familiar with it, but that you can apply it in real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experience in Children's Services. We want to hear about specific cases where you made a difference, so have those stories at the ready!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer - Child and Family in Bridgend, Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your work in Children's Services. We want to see how your past experiences have prepared you for this role and how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the framework within which you'll be working.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Signs of Safety
Since this role involves embedding the Signs of Safety Practice Model, it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of it. Research how it’s applied in practice and think about how you can contribute to its implementation in your role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios involving safeguarding and decision-making. Prepare examples from your experience where you've successfully navigated complex situations, demonstrating your ability to work collaboratively with families and partner agencies.
✨Show Your Commitment to Continuous Development
The role requires ongoing improvement of practice standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ve engaged in professional development in the past and how you plan to continue growing in your career as an Independent Reviewing Officer.