At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead child protection conferences and reviews, ensuring the best outcomes for children.
- Company: Join Wirral Council, dedicated to improving lives of children and families.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and family-friendly initiatives available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your social work career.
- Qualifications: Experience in child protection and strong decision-making skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 44000 £ per year.
Wirral Council seeks two experienced and confident Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO) / Child Protection Chair to manage and chair child protection conferences, strategy meetings, looked after children reviews and secure accommodation reviews.
About The Role
- Chair Child Protection Conferences, Strategy Meetings, Looked After Children Reviews and Secure Accommodation Reviews.
- Ensure statutory responsibilities are met to the highest standard.
- Oversee and quality assure child protection plans.
- Manage risk effectively and drive best practice outcomes.
- Build and maintain strong multi‑agency professional relationships and provide constructive challenge as required.
About The Candidate
- Experienced social work professional with strong knowledge of children’s social care and child protection.
- Confident decision‑maker and chair of meetings with ability to build effective multi‑agency relationships.
- Committed to keeping the child at the centre of all decision‑making, continually improving outcomes.
- Passion to make a positive difference and create a brighter future for children, young people and families.
Requirements
- Relevant social work experience in child protection or related field.
- Valid right to work in the UK or meet visa sponsorship criteria.
- Enhanced DBS check including a check of the relevant Barred List(s) required.
Benefits
- Staff discounts.
- Enrolment into the local government pension scheme (defined benefit).
- Immediate life cover and ill‑health protection.
- Flexible working approach, hybrid working and family‑friendly initiatives.
- Annual leave package starting at 28 days plus public holidays.
This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, including a check of the relevant Barred List(s). Eligibility to work in the UK will be verified in the final stages of the selection process. All candidates must either already have a right to work in the UK before commencing employment or meet the Home Office criteria for Visa sponsorship.
Independent Reviewing Officer employer: Wirral Council
Wirral Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families. With flexible working options, a generous annual leave package, and enrolment in the local government pension scheme, staff are encouraged to grow professionally and personally in a collaborative environment that values their contributions. Join us in Wirral, where your expertise as an Independent Reviewing Officer will be instrumental in driving best practice outcomes and ensuring the highest standards of child protection.
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 contacts in social work and child protection. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and they might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of child protection policies and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, as this will show your confidence and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for making a difference! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for children and families.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and you can easily keep track of your progress. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
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 your experience in child protection and social work. We want to see how your skills align with the role of an Independent Reviewing Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills:As a confident decision-maker, it’s crucial to demonstrate this in your written application. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve effectively managed meetings or made tough calls that led to positive outcomes for children and families.
Highlight Multi-Agency Collaboration:Building strong professional relationships is key in this role. We’d love to see how you’ve worked with various agencies in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated successfully to drive best practice outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child protection laws and practices. Familiarise yourself with the statutory responsibilities that come with being an Independent Reviewing Officer. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in managing child protection conferences and multi-agency relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Decision-Making Skills
Be ready to discuss how you make decisions under pressure, especially in challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you had to balance risk management with the best interests of children and families, and be prepared to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
