At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead reviews for Looked After Children and ensure their voices are heard in care planning.
- Company: Hertfordshire County Council, committed to high standards in children's services.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with strong partnerships across agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years of experience in complex case management.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ 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, escalate 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 London employer: Guidant Global
Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the welfare of Looked After Children. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. The strong partnership with Guidant Global ensures ongoing support and access to valuable resources, making this an ideal opportunity for those seeking rewarding employment in children's services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in London
✨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 previously escalated concerns and ensured the adolescent's voice is central to care planning.
✨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 consultant support throughout the process.
We think you need these skills to ace IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IRO role. Highlight your experience with Looked After Children and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about specific cases or situations where you made a difference. We love seeing real examples of your work, especially in complex meetings and multi-agency settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but that you’re also committed to best practices in safeguarding and care planning.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances from your past experience where you’ve successfully chaired complex meetings or managed challenging cases. This will help you demonstrate your skills and give the interviewers a clear picture of how you handle real-world situations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working with multi-agency partners, be ready to talk about your experience in collaborative settings. Highlight how you’ve effectively communicated and worked with different stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for children.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Let your passion for supporting Looked After Children shine through. Discuss why this work matters to you and how you ensure that the adolescent's voice is central to the review process. This personal touch can really resonate with the interviewers.
