Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer - Looked After Children Team
Location: 4 Frampton Street, London, NW8 8LF
Pay Rate: £40 per hour
About the Role
The Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality care planning and review processes for Westminsters Looked After Children (LAC). This position combines statutory responsibilities with a focus on independent monitoring, advocacy, and oversight to safeguard the welfare of children and young people.
The IRO provides leadership within the care system, ensuring the Local Authority fulfills its role as a corporate parent. You will ensure that care plans are effective, up-to-date, and tailored to the specific needs of each child.
Key Responsibilities
Chairing Statutory Reviews: Conduct high-quality statutory LAC reviews, ensuring compliance with timescales and promoting active participation from children, families, and carers.
Monitoring Cases: Track and monitor cases to identify and address drift or delays in permanency planning.
Advocacy: Ensure the voices and wishes of children are central to care planning and decision-making.
Problem Resolution: Use the IRO Problem Resolution Protocol to escalate and resolve care planning issues or social work concerns.
Collaborative Practice: Work closely with social workers and senior management to promote best practice and improve outcomes for children.
Compliance & Reporting: Ensure reviews meet statutory requirements, monitor care quality, and produce accurate and timely reports.
Specialist Oversight: Focus on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, ensuring tailored and culturally appropriate care planning.
Safeguarding: Monitor and promote safeguarding practices for LAC, ensuring up-to-date risk assessments.
Training & Development: Provide expert advice, training, and consultation on care planning and LAC review matters.
Requirements
Substantial experience working with Looked After Children.
Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and the IRO Handbook.
Strong advocacy and problem-solving skills to represent and challenge on behalf of children.
Experience with care planning, monitoring, and quality assurance processes.
Ability to produce high-quality reports and maintain accurate case records.
Expertise in working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children is highly desirable.
Commitment to promoting participation, safeguarding, and culturally sensitive practice.
? Email:
? Phone: 0203 047 1476
Take on this rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Looked After Children in Westminster. Apply today!
Eden Brown Synergy is an equal opportunities employer.
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