Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) – Social Care Qualified
Directorate: Help & Protection
Division: Front Door Division
Service: Children's Advice & Support Services
Location: 45 Fordhouse Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, West Midlands, B30 3BN
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days remote and 2 days in the office
Office Attendance:
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and qualified Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) to join Birmingham Children's Advice & Support Services.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that children and young people receive high-quality care and support, with their voice, wishes and feelings at the centre of planning and decision-making.
You will provide independent oversight of children's care plans, ensuring that plans remain appropriate, outcomes-focused and in the best interests of the child.
Key Responsibilities
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Undertake Independent Reviewing Officer responsibilities in accordance with statutory requirements.
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Chair and lead Looked After Children reviews, ensuring they are timely, effective and child-focused.
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Independently scrutinise care planning and decision-making.
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Ensure the child's wishes, feelings and lived experience are central to reviews and planning.
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Monitor the progress and effectiveness of care plans and challenge where appropriate.
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Identify and escalate drift, delay or gaps in service provision.
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Ensure children are receiving appropriate support and that their needs are being effectively addressed.
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Work collaboratively with social workers, carers, families and partner agencies.
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Provide professional challenge and promote effective safeguarding practice.
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Ensure actions agreed at reviews are clearly identified, progressed and followed up.
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Maintain accurate records and ensure all statutory requirements and timescales are met.
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Contribute to improving outcomes and promoting stability and permanence for children and young people.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
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A recognised Social Work qualification and current professional registration.
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Significant experience within Children's Social Care.
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Strong experience of working with Looked After Children and care planning.
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Experience undertaking reviews and providing professional challenge and independent oversight.
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Strong knowledge of safeguarding, care planning and relevant statutory frameworks.
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Excellent assessment, analytical and decision-making skills.
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The confidence to challenge practice and decision-making appropriately.
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Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
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A child-centred and outcome-focused approach.
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The ability to work effectively with children, families, carers and multi-agency professionals.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Social Care professional to take on a key role in promoting high-quality care planning, safeguarding children and ensuring their voices are heard.
The role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, with 3 days remote working and 2 days office-based.