At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people by ensuring quality care and positive experiences.
- Company: Join Medway's Children's Services, rated Good by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting benefits including market allowance, retention payment, and relocation package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Social Work qualification and 5 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 52921 - 57554 £ per year.
Medway's Children's services, who have been rated Good by Ofsted, are recruiting a full-time Independent Reviewing Officer who has children at the very heart of all they do. You will develop strong relationships with the children and young people in your care and help shape the best possible opportunities and experiences so that they can have the best future they can.
You will have the ability to develop strong professional relationships that support quality care for our children and young people and be confident to challenge when this care is not the best it can be. You will have a minimum of 5 years experience of social work with strong experience in working with child protection or looked after children. Significant experience and understanding of Family Court and PLO is essential with experience of management and supervision of social workers.
The role forms part of the wider Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Service in Medway and very much has a part to play in the quality assurance of practice for children in care. The successful post holder will be subject to an Enhanced Children's DBS check.
Children matter in Medway, and so do you. It's an exciting time to join us as we offer competitive pay and conditions and hybrid working. We are committed to helping you to grow and develop throughout your career and reach your full potential. Our practice development offer, whether you are a manager or practitioner, ensures you will be guided, supported and cared for.
Candidates will be offered a competitive basic salary between £52,921 - £57,554 per annum, dependant on your experience, and the potential to earn up to £67,554 per year when market premiums and retention are applied.
We are proud to offer a range of benefits including:
- A market allowance of £7,000 per annum (payable in 12 equal instalments)
- A retention payment of £3,000 per annum (payable in April, following 1 year's service in Medway)
- A generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days plus bank holidays
- An excellent local government pension scheme
- Free car parking
- Hybrid working - enabling you to work from home/office (minimum of 2 days per week will be required in the office). Assessment Teams are office based for duty weeks.
- Relocation package of up to £8,000
- A range of staff benefits and discounts including access to fantastic discounts and savings on shops and services, travel discounts, health and wellbeing support, and an employee assistance service.
- Access to professional development and support including Community Care Inform.
You will hold a recognised Social Work qualification e.g. Degree in Social Work, PGC in Social Work, CQSW, DipSW or equivalent and be registered with Social Work England. You will have successfully completed your ASYE. You will have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
For further information on the qualifications, skills and experience required, please refer to the Job Profile and Person Specification.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria which are essential for appointment to the role. For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
Independent Reviewing Officer in Chatham employer: CIH International Housing Group
Porchlight is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals in North Kent. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous annual leave, a supportive pension scheme, and access to mental health resources, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our focus on professional development ensures that our staff have ample opportunities for growth while working in a hands-on role that truly makes a difference in the community.
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer in Chatham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at CIH International Housing Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from CIH International Housing Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like CIH International Housing Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at CIH International Housing Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to CIH International Housing Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to CIH International Housing Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
