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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding services for children in care and chair child protection conferences.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving the lives of vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping safeguarding practices and supporting children's well-being.
- Qualifications: Social work qualification and management experience in child protection required.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence practice development and engage with families across Suffolk.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Independent Reviewing Officer / Child Protection Conference Chair to support the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care and those subject to child protection plans across the County.
In this pivotal role, you will help to strengthen practice, oversee high-quality planning for children, and ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of vulnerable young people.
Rate: £42-£45 per hour
Location: Countywide (Office base TBC)
Office Requirement: Minimum 2 days per week
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the effective delivery of safeguarding services for children in care and children subject to child protection plans.
- Champion and embed the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Well-being practice framework, supporting its continued positive impact on practice development, family engagement, and staff morale.
- Provide strategic leadership, working closely with operational management teams.
- Produce reports, analysis, and insights for directorate management on safeguarding issues.
- Offer independent scrutiny of care plans and child protection plans.
- Ensure compliance with standards and operational requirements.
- Act as a Regulation 44 Visitor to Suffolk County Council children's homes, completing monthly reports on safeguarding effectiveness and the conduct of the homes.
About You:
- A recognised social work qualification and experience working at management level.
- Significant experience in children in care services and child protection.
- Strong knowledge of current research, legislation, and best practice in children's social care.
- Flexibility to attend and chair meetings across Suffolk and beyond when required.
If you thrive to make a difference and have 3 years Social worker experience, then we would love to hear from you.
Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Opus People Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Reviewing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Suffolk County Council and their safeguarding services. Understanding their values and practices will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about your past experiences in child protection and how you’ve handled challenging situations. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people. Don’t wait around; the sooner you apply, the better your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Reviewing Officer
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, and it’ll help you tailor your application to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in safeguarding services and child protection. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those key achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for applying.
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, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opus People Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in children's social care. Familiarise yourself with the Suffolk Signs of Safety and Well-being framework, as you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of how it impacts practice development and family engagement.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in safeguarding services and child protection. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects, and how your strategic leadership has made a difference in previous positions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think about how you would approach various challenges in safeguarding and be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges the team faces or how they measure success in their safeguarding initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
