Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair
Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair

Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and review care plans for children, ensuring their needs are met.
  • Company: Join Cardiff Council's dynamic team dedicated to safeguarding children.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of an innovative Reviewing Hub focused on collaboration and support.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Social Worker with knowledge of child protection.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Cardiff Council are looking to recruit an experienced and permanent Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair to join our growing services for children, young people and young adults. You will be joining a well-established and dynamic team to continue the good work in the Independent Reviewing Service.

You will have relevant experience of working with and understanding the roles of an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair. You should also be able to demonstrate skills in chairing and reviewing care plans. Cardiff is committed to working in a strength-based and trauma-informed approach. Knowledge of this will be key to the role; however, training will be provided.

An exciting opportunity has become available for a passionate and creative individual to join our new Reviewing Hub. The Reviewing Hub brings together our well-established Safeguarding and Reviewing Service, as well as other important reviewing services. Key functions of the Hub include the Independent Reviewing Service, Child Protection Conferences, Care and Support Plan Reviews, as well as other important Safeguarding functions.

The Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair is a dual role, where you will be responsible for reviewing the Care and Support Plans of Children Looked After, as well as chairing Child Protection Conferences. There are opportunities to work flexibly in line with Cardiff’s flexible working policy.

The Care Planning Placement and Case Review (Wales) Regulations (2015) requires an IRO to chair reviews of children who are in an adoptive placement prior to an adoption order being granted; looked after subject to a statutory order or accommodated with the agreement of parent and young people in Young Offender Institutions subject to a Care Order or on remand as required under Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO 2012).

An understanding of the AFA Cymru ‘Practice Standards and Good Practice Guide’ and the Wales Safeguarding Procedures further outline the IRO and role of the Child Protection Conference Chair.

The main duties of the post holder will be to ensure you are focused on the needs of children and ensuring they are addressed, minimising drift and checking the consistency of care planning and decision-making. You should be a registered and experienced Social Worker, have experience of working with Looked After Children as well as the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines and timescales. Good communication and organisational skills are vital for this role.

Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair employer: CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL

Cardiff Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for those passionate about safeguarding children and young people. With a commitment to flexible working policies and a strong focus on professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the community. The opportunity to join the new Reviewing Hub allows for collaboration with experienced professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children.
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Contact Detail:

CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with child protection. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of trauma-informed practices and the specific regulations mentioned in the job description. Show them you’re not just qualified, but passionate about the role!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your chairing skills! You might be asked to demonstrate how you would lead a meeting or conference. Get a friend to role-play with you so you can nail it when it counts.

✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair

Chairing Skills
Care Plan Review
Understanding of Child Protection Procedures
Knowledge of Strength-Based Approaches
Trauma-Informed Practice
Experience with Looked After Children
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Time Management
Social Work Registration
Understanding of Relevant Legislation
Flexibility in Working Arrangements

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those key achievements!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, especially around strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, to show us you understand what we’re looking for.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our new Reviewing Hub.

How to prepare for a job interview at CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the roles of an Independent Reviewing Officer and Child Protection Conference Chair. Familiarise yourself with the Care Planning Placement and Case Review (Wales) Regulations and the AFA Cymru ‘Practice Standards’. This knowledge will show that you're serious about the role and understand its complexities.

✨Showcase Your Skills

During the interview, be ready to demonstrate your chairing and reviewing skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully chaired meetings or reviewed care plans. This will help the interviewers see how you can apply your skills in real situations.

✨Emphasise Communication

Good communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated with children, families, and other professionals in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you’ve used to ensure everyone’s voice is heard during meetings.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging situations. Think about potential dilemmas you might face as an IRO or Conference Chair and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Independent Reviewing Officer/Child Protection Conference Chair
CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL

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