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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 hourly rate, hybrid working, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Qualified Social Worker with 5+ years of experience in complex case management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
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.
IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in St Albans 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 St Albans
✨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 the interview. 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, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We think you need these skills to ace IRO Independent Reviewing Officer in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in an Independent Reviewing Officer, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, don’t just send a generic one. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your work with Looked After Children.
Showcase Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about supporting children and making a difference. Share any personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Looked After Children.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you’re serious about 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 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 for Complex Scenarios
Think about some complex cases you've managed in the past and be ready to discuss them. Highlight your experience in chairing meetings and how you navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of an IRO effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working with multi-agency partners, prepare examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Talk about how you’ve engaged with independent advocates or other professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Advocacy
The adolescent's voice is central to the review process, so be ready to discuss how you prioritise their needs and rights. Share any experiences where you’ve advocated for a child’s welfare, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
