At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead independent reviews of care plans and chair complex meetings for vulnerable children.
- Company: Join Nottinghamshire County Council's Independent Chair Service, dedicated to safeguarding children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and equality in a role that values all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of looked after children and care leavers.
- Qualifications: Professional social work qualification and five years of post-qualification experience required.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 49282 £ per year.
The Independent Chair Service (ICS) offers independent reviewing and coordination of care plans for looked after children, child protection plans, Care Leavers, and plans for children in need subject to supervision orders. The service is part of the Strategic Safeguarding and Independent Review Group within Nottinghamshire County Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide independent reviews of care plans and related documents.
- Chair complex meetings, ensuring constructive discussion with senior managers.
- Use a strength‑based approach to safeguard and protect vulnerable children.
- Monitor the performance of the Local Authority’s corporate parent function.
- Communicate with children and promote their voice in all decisions.
- Ensure compliance with legal frameworks, regulations and guidance for looked after children and care leavers.
- Define high‑quality practice standards to improve outcomes.
- Problem‑solve, organise and manage time effectively under pressure.
- Receive regular supervision and work as part of a supportive team.
Qualifications and Experience
- Professional social work qualification essential.
- Minimum of five years post‑qualification experience.
- Experience providing social work supervision and support.
- Demonstrated ability to chair complex meetings.
- In depth knowledge of legal framework, regulations and guidance relating to looked after children and care leavers.
- Proficiency in communication with children.
- Experience with representation, complaints processes and procedures.
Additional Information
- Appointment to this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
- The post is available as a secondment opportunity to existing Nottinghamshire County Council employees.
- A job share scheme is available for all full‑time posts.
Equality and Diversity
Nottinghamshire County Council strives to go beyond the requirements of the Equalities Act and aims to be a Disability Confident Leader Organisation. The council encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.
Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Nottinghamshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Nottinghamshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social work field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values, especially around safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but in spirit too.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your chairing skills! Since this role involves leading complex meetings, consider doing mock sessions with friends or colleagues. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Independent Reviewing Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your qualifications; share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to chair complex meetings and communicate effectively with children. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottinghamshire County Council
✨Know Your Legal Frameworks
Make sure you brush up on the legal frameworks and regulations related to looked after children and care leavers. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Chairing Skills
Prepare examples of complex meetings you've chaired in the past. Highlight how you facilitated discussions, managed differing opinions, and ensured everyone’s voice was heard. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively in challenging situations.
✨Emphasise Your Strength-Based Approach
Be ready to discuss how you use a strength-based approach in your work. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully safeguarded vulnerable children by focusing on their strengths and needs, which aligns perfectly with the role's requirements.
✨Communicate with Impact
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Remember, communication with children is key, so be prepared to showcase your skills in promoting their voices during the interview.