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- Tasks: Lead reviews for Looked After Children and ensure their voices are heard in care planning.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, committed to supporting vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £44.50 per hour with hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your social work skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years of experience in complex case management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 35 - 44 £ per hour.
Hertfordshire County Council is seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to be based at County Hall, Hertford. This is a vital role within Children's Services, supporting Looked After Children (CLA) and ensuring the highest standards of care planning and review.
Working Arrangements: Hybrid role with face-to-face meetings across Hertfordshire and beyond. WFH is available for review write-ups, with office bases and touchdown points accessible. Attendance at the office is required when meetings are scheduled. Travel across the county is essential.
Key Responsibilities:- Chair statutory reviews for Looked After Children, primarily face to face, including all associated administrative tasks.
- Independently scrutinise and monitor the progression of care plans in line with the Review of Children's Cases Regulations.
- Ensure the adolescent's voice is central to the review process and reflected within care planning.
- Identify and challenge any drift or delay in care planning, escalating concerns where appropriate.
- Ensure adolescents are offered an independent IRO visit at least annually.
- Participate in team meetings, duty systems and first review systems.
- Attend monthly supervision.
- Undertake audit work as required.
- Work collaboratively with multi-agency partners, independent advocates, interpreters and the Children's Participation Team.
The IRO plays a critical role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Looked After Children. In line with DfES IRO Guidance, the postholder must inform senior managers of any issues impacting an adolescent's welfare, elevate concerns where care planning may breach an adolescent's human rights, and refer matters to CAFCASS where appropriate.
Essential Requirements:- Qualified Social Worker (QSW).
- Minimum 5 years post-qualifying experience (PQE).
- Evidence of ongoing managerial and/or professional development.
- Strong experience of chairing complex meetings, managing and assessing complex cases, providing social work supervision, and working within multi-agency settings.
- In-depth knowledge of CLA legislation, regulations and best practice.
Why Apply via Guidant Global? Established and trusted partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, dedicated consultant support, and access to high-quality, long-term local authority opportunities.
IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in Hertford employer: Guidant Global
Contact Detail:
Guidant Global Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in Hertford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field, especially those who have experience with Looked After Children. They might have insider info on the role or even know someone at Hertfordshire County Council.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of CLA legislation and best practices. We recommend having specific examples ready that showcase your experience in chairing complex meetings and managing cases.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children during your discussions. Make sure to highlight how you’ve put the adolescent's voice at the centre of your previous work.
✨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 you’ll have access to dedicated support from our team throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the IRO role. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience, especially your work with Looked After Children and complex case management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to safeguarding.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations for applying. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest CLA legislation and regulations. Being well-versed in these areas will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Looked After Children.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've chaired complex meetings or managed challenging cases. Highlight how you’ve ensured the adolescent's voice is central to the review process, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Multi-Agency Collaboration
Familiarise yourself with how to work effectively within multi-agency settings. Be ready to discuss your experience collaborating with various partners and how you’ve navigated challenges in those environments.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the support available for IROs, or how the council measures success in care planning. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
