4 Month Contract with A Local Authority
Job Purpose
The Principal Officer (Child Protection Chair) is responsible for leading and chairing multi-agency Child Protection Conferences to safeguard vulnerable children and young people. The role ensures that child protection planning is effective, child-focused, and underpinned by a strengths-based, relationship-focused, and trauma-informed approach. The post holder will promote participation from children, families, and partner agencies while driving high standards of practice, performance, and decision-making to improve outcomes for children and families.
Key Responsibilities
- Chair multi-agency Child Protection Conferences and ensure effective safeguarding plans are developed and reviewed.
- Ensure the childâ s voice, lived experience, and participation are central to all decision-making and safety planning.
- Facilitate collaborative working between families, social care professionals, and partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
- Apply the Strengthening Families approach to support engagement and co-production with children and parents.
- Monitor and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of child protection plans and interventions.
- Provide professional challenge where necessary to ensure statutory responsibilities and safeguarding standards are met.
- Support the continuous improvement of practice and performance through quality assurance, reflection, and learning.
- Promote and model relationship-based and trauma-informed practice across safeguarding processes.
- Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation in line with statutory requirements and organizational standards.
- Contribute to the development of a positive learning culture, supporting professional accountability and continuous improvement.
Requirements
Essential
- Extensive post-qualifying social work experience.
- Previous experience chairing Child Protection Conferences.
- Sound knowledge and understanding of child protection processes and safeguarding legislation.
- Strong decision-making, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to manage a demanding workload, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with children, families, colleagues, and partner agencies.
- Commitment to relationship-based, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed practice.
- Effective team player with a collaborative and supportive approach.
Desirable
- Management or supervisory experience.
Additional Information
- Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Hours per Week: Full-time (37 hours per week)
- Pay Frequency: Bi-weekly payments
