Job Introduction
Independent Reviewing Officer / Locality Child Protection Chair
We currently have vacancies for experienced professionals to join the Quality and Standards Service as Independent Reviewing Officers / Child Protection Chair These are full time permanent positions.
These roles form part of the Quality & Standards Team and have one generic job description that also includes the role of LADO and Reg 44 Officer. Candidates are not required to carry out all of these functions at any given time.
We are currently seeking to recruit Independent Reviewing Officers ( based county wide) and 1 Child Protection Chair ( based specifically in West Lindsey)
Independent Reviewing Officers (IRO's) work flexibly and smartly between home and a work base. There is an expectation that they travel to meetings in person and to visit children. The Child Protection Chair will be based in West Lindsey and form part of the Multi Agency Child Protection Team.
What our staff say about us:
Since starting with LCC’s IRO service I noticed good elements of practice that are not necessarily in place with other organisations. The team is well managed and perceptive. I was guided through the tricky transition/ adjustment period at the start. Being the new person is always difficult but not with this team.
The service anticipated what was needed and provided a thorough induction plan, a roadmap helping me adjust to the all the different nuances. The day I started everything was at my fingertips, I didn’t have to wait to receive basic equipment (the tech is first class). Most importantly the key systems and processes work.
Service wide operational support is at hand, if you need advice or support. The systems in place for this team are amazing, if you think you need something its probably already there. Most discussions centre around relationships or a person’s experience. If you have any challenges the service is flexible, sensible and willing to help, promoting a honest and genuine environment. Everyone is warm and friendly promoting the best interests of children and young people.
About the Role
Candidates for all roles in the service are required to demonstrate that they can maintain a clear focus on the best interests of children, whilst working under pressure.
The Independent Reviewing Officer should be skilled at enabling children, parents, carers and professionals to work in partnership to develop focussed Care Plans. Lincolnshire’s approach to care planning is to ensure each plan is individual and is developed to meet a child’s holistic needs constructively using a strengths-based approach. Lincolnshire use the Valuing Care approach. As an IRO you will have oversight of a child’s Care Plan in between reviews, and will need to monitor that it is progressing in the agreed way. You should be a highly organised person, be a fierce advocate for children and be able oversee a number of Children in Care and their plans efficiently at any given time.
As part of Lincolnshire's involvement in the Families First for Children DfE Pathfinder, we have transitioned to a model where Child Protection (CP) Chairs are based in localities. Our locality CP Chairs play a crucial role alongside Practice Supervisors in developing a multi-agency CP team approach.
Key aspects of the Child Protection Chair Role
The CP Chair is integral to ensuring consistency and quality in child protection conferences across the county. They work closely with practice supervisors from the initiation of a Section 47 investigation, planning and quality assuring safety measures. CP Chairs engage with families and children prior to conferences to enhance their understanding and experience of the CP process. They ensure that children and parents are supported by independent advocacy, where this is needed, and that CP plans are clear, focused, and promptly delivered. CP Chairs employ a Signs of Safety methodology when chairing conferences ensuring families fully participate in the development of danger statements and safety goals and that they are encouraged to own their safety plans. Outside of Conference related activity, CP Chairs participate in quality assurance activities, such as audits and dip sampling, to promote best practices and identify areas for practice improvement; most importantly they highlight success so that we learn from good practice and ensure our approach to all our work is from a strength based approach.
Candidates will receive the full role descriptions upon requesting an application.
It is essential that all candidates have a proven track record in working creatively to engage children and young people in decision making and can promote young people's voices.
About You
A SOCIAL WORK QUALIFICATION IS REQUIRED FOR THESE POSTS
You will have 5 years post qualifying experience working with children and families and ideally some supervisory experience. The office base is negotiable within the county. The necessary IT equipment and home working equipment is provided for the Independent Reviewing Officer roles.
Our offer
We are offering a competitive salary of £44,718 - £50,788 along with an extensive benefits package; details of which can be found in rewards and benefits brochure and many areas for professional support and development.
Interviews are planned for 2nd, 3rd and 4th April 2025.
For an informal discussion please contact Kim Murray on (+44) 07900 607798 or Debbie Johnson on ( +44) 07552 254242
A relocation package may be considered for the successful candidate. More details relating to our Relocation Policy can be found here.
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
A Smarter Working Employer
We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.
Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Attached documents
