At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection conferences and ensure care plans for children are effectively implemented.
- Company: Southend City Council, dedicated to improving outcomes for children in care.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; must be a driver with access to a car.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in social work.
- Qualifications: Recognised Social Work qualification and experience in local authority children's services.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Your new role Southend City Council are looking to appoint a full-time, permanent Independent Reviewing Officer. The successful candidates will be joining a service committed to ensuring plans for children in our care are progressed without delay and lead to improved outcomes for children.
As the newly appointed IRO, you will be required to chair child protection conferences in line with SET Child Protection Procedures and Working Together to Safeguard Children. You will review the cases of children who are looked after and take all necessary decisions to confirm the child's care plan and raise any concerns about the progression of plans for children with the relevant social worker and manager and if needed, use formal escalation processes. Ensure that the post-18 planning is in place. The IRO will support the council in meeting Ofsted requirements and may also cover ICPCs due to the increased volume experienced in 2026.
Within this position, hybrid working opportunities are available, the hybrid days will depend on the needs of the team. You must be a driver with access to a car.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this position, you must be able to work in the UK, have a recognised Social Work qualification and be registered with Social Work England. You are required to have statutory local authority children's services experience along with experience of improving outcomes for children who are being harmed, including children who experience domestic abuse and chronic neglect.
You will need to have the ability to engage in a restorative manner with parents, carers and children in order for them to know they are central to all aspects of planning. As well as having the ability to share expertise in the field of child protection with social workers, social work managers and partner agencies.
You will have strong communication skills, both verbally and written, and have the ability to organise and manage a varied workload.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Child in Need - Independent Reviewing Officer-Permanent in Southend-on-Sea employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Southend City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of children in care, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a commitment to safeguarding children, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment while making a significant impact in the community. Join us in a role where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will lead to positive outcomes for vulnerable children.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child in Need - Independent Reviewing Officer-Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited!
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited, 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited 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 Child in Need - Independent Reviewing Officer-Permanent in Southend-on-Sea
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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited! 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨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.
