Independent Reviewing Officer/CPCC in Oldbury

At Sandwell Children's Trust, we firmly believe that the voice of the child should be at the centre of everything we do. We are on an ambitious journey to ensure that children and families in Sandwell are safe and empowered to thrive. Our ‘Sandwell Deal’ brings together our new improved offering that makes Sandwell Children’s Trust a great place to work; it also sets out our expectations of you as a member of staff.

12 months Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid Working - 37 hours per week
Band I SCP 44 – 47 (£55,609 - £59,027 per annum) dependent on experience plus excellent benefits.

We are proud to create an environment where our employees are nurtured, caseloads are manageable and continuous professional development is encouraged. With a culture of collaborative working and the child at the heart of everything we do, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the Trust.

We are looking for exceptional candidates who are passionate, committed and dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people. You will be responsible for working closely with children, young people and their families. You will drive care plans and ensure statutory responsibilities for looked after children are adhered to. You will ensure children receive the best care and do not remain in care any longer than is required. You will ensure that where children are leaving care, that they do so with the best options to enable a successful future.

The IRO role is a specialist, statutory role to ensure all children in care are provided with oversight. An IRO has to have a wide range of knowledge around legislation and associated policies and procedures. The role of the IRO is also a quality assurance role; they have to continuously monitor the lived experience of the child in care.

Core tasks:

• Consult with all the relevant adults, including foster carers, before each review;
• Read all the relevant documentation before each review;
• Meet with the child in a meaningful way before the review;
• Chair all meetings that make up the review;
• Provide a full record of the review;
• Complete quality assurance documentation;
• Undertake any follow up work after the review;
• Monitor drift;
• Alert the local authority in writing of areas of poor practice;
• Consult with the social worker and the child, following a significant change;
• Resolve concerns informally, implementing the local dispute resolution process where necessary;
• Travel to meetings as required;
• Undertake training and attend meetings for the purpose of consultation and professional development.

Interviews to be held on Monday 9th March. Previous candidates need not apply. When people join the team at Sandwell they say it feels like they become part of the family. With the work that we have done so far and with the ambitions we have for the future, it’s a really exciting time to join Sandwell Children’s Trust and to become part of our Family.

To apply please visit sandwelldeal.co.uk/apply/. Sandwell Children's Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS is required for this position and registration with Social Work England.

If you require further information on the role or working for us please email recruitment_childrenstrust@sandwell.gov.uk and a member of our Recruitment Team will be happy to give you a call.

Please note that pre-employment checks will be carried out in line with the Department for Education KCSIE Guidance 2022.

How to apply: Visit the Sandwell Deal site for more information and to submit your application.