Independent Reviewing Officer

About the job

Key information

• This is for 22.5 hours per week
• Flexible working options
• Supportive team culture and learning opportunities

What will I be doing?

In Somerset, IROs are expected to deliver on all aspects of the Independent Reviewing Officer Handbook, chairing reviews for looked after children and young people. You will work closely with the Local Authority Designated Officer and at times cover the role.

You will have a pivotal role in quality assurance and the opportunity to contribute and make a difference to improving outcomes for children. You will be expected to promote high standards of care and support to children who are looked after by the Local Authority. We’re looking for someone who has excellent communication and leadership skills, is passionate about relationship-based social work and has a good understanding of planning for children. You should have post-qualifying experience of children and family social work including substantial experience in child protection and planning for looked after children. Experience in chairing complex meetings and a good working knowledge of childcare legislation is required.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You must be a qualified Social Worker and be registered with Social Work England. You must also have experience of supervising qualified staff within a relevant professional setting. We can be flexible with regards to your office base and have offices in Bridgwater, Taunton, Yeovil and Shepton Mallett.

If you have the necessary skills and experience for this post, we look forward to hearing from you.

What is in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, within a team who are passionate about the work that they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset. Good technology is provided to help you stay connected to your team and manager through virtual meetings, team check-ins and service sessions.

We offer a friendly supportive learning culture with an approachable and experienced leadership team, as well as the below:

• Small supportive teams to progress your career
• Strengths and relationship-based approach to underpin your work
• Regular high-quality systemic supervision
• Trust in your professional autonomy
• CPD with a strong focus on systemic and relationship-based practice
• A kind, caring and supportive environment
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options
• Optional pension enhancement through our additional voluntary contribution scheme
• Employee assistance and support offering a variety of wellbeing services to support a healthy work/life balance and lifestyle
• A flexible benefits platform including cycle to work and health screening schemes
• ‘My staff shop’ which offers excellent discounts at a variety of retailers including; cinemas, restaurants, clothing stores and insurance providers
• Gym discounts
• Discounted lease car options via salary sacrifice, along with discounts on fuel
• Generous relocation allowance

DBS check

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.

Supporting documents and information

If you would like more information, please contact Rachel Bovingdon on rachel.bovingdon@somerset.gov.uk.

*We recommend applying early as vacancy will close once a number of applications is reached*.

£29,039 pa + £1,824 recruitment allowance payable for 18 months

Apply on the Somerset Council website

Apply now