Child Protection Chair – Independent Reviewing Officer
* Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
* Contract: Permanent
* Working Pattern: Full Time
* Hours: 36 hours per week.
* Closing Date: 19/12/2024 at 12:00
* Reference: CSC/24/299757
The successful candidate will be joining a team with high aspirations and a clear focus on improvement and the provision of an effective service. You will be part of an integrated team where Child Protection Conference Chairs work alongside Independent Reviewing Officers, the Fostering Independent Review Officer, Child in Need Reviewing Officers, and the local LADO.
You will have child protection Social Worker experience with a thorough understanding of threshold and a sound understanding of SMART Safety and Protection Planning. In addition to preparing and chairing meetings, you will contribute to the quality assurance responsibilities of the unit and directly work with social workers to support them in creating the best plans for children. You will develop meaningful records and contribute to ongoing training and developmental initiatives.
What we need from you
* You will hold a professional recognised social work qualification.
* You must have at least 5 years of post-qualification experience in a statutory child care setting.
* You must be able to chair formal meetings and demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of legislation, regulations, and codes of practice relating to Child Protection and Children In Care.
* You will demonstrate an ability to critically analyse information, balance opposing views and interests while maintaining a child focus.
* You will demonstrate an ability to communicate with children and young people and their parents and have good interpersonal and written communication skills.
* Although not essential, you may have previous management/supervisory experience in a statutory child care setting.
* Please note that due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement of employment that an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is obtained for this post.
What we will offer you:
A warm Sefton welcome
* Support from Team Manager and Service Manager
* Manageable caseloads
* Excellent training and development opportunities including a wide-ranging offer from our in-house workforce training and development unit as well as access to a number of external accredited opportunities
* Partnership with Research in Practice, providing access to online webinars, podcasts, and materials linked to the latest research and policy updates to support your CPD and inform evidence-based reports
* 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days with 5 years of continual service and 8 bank holidays
* Enhanced sick pay scheme, maternity/adoption leave pay, and maternity support leave
* Opportunities for agile/flexible working
* Access to free eye tests and, where appropriate, contribution towards spectacles
* Occupational Health Service available to advise on work-related health issues
* Commitment to supporting staff’s emotional and mental health with access to a free and confidential employee counselling service
* Discounted gym membership with all Active Sefton gyms
* Cycle to work scheme
* Salary sacrifice schemes including childcare vouchers
* Access to local benefits and discounts on products and services
* Relocation package as appropriate
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us; our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations. We are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview.
If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs (unless specified on the advert).
Please fully complete the online application form.
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