Independent Reviewing Officer

Liquid Personnel is recruiting Independent Reviewing Officer for its client's Gateshead.

Welcome to our client's Children's Services team at Gateshead Council. They are committed to ensuring that children and young people in their care receive the highest quality support, enabling them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

As an Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO), you will play a vital role in monitoring and reviewing care plans for looked after children, ensuring that their views, wishes, and feelings remain at the centre of all decision-making. You will provide independent oversight, challenge delays and poor practice where necessary, and work collaboratively with social workers, managers, carers, and partner agencies to ensure children receive the support and services they need to thrive.

What will your responsibilities be?

Chair statutory reviews for looked after children in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.

Monitor the implementation and progress of care plans to ensure children's needs are being met effectively.

Provide independent scrutiny and challenge where plans are not progressing appropriately.

Ensure the voice of the child is heard and reflected throughout the care planning and review process.

Work collaboratively with social workers, team managers, foster carers, residential providers, and partner agencies.

Escalate concerns where there is drift, delay, or a failure to implement agreed plans.

Maintain accurate records, reports, and review documentation within required timescales.

Promote positive outcomes for children and young people through effective planning and oversight.

Contribute to service development and quality assurance initiatives across Children's Services.

Benefits:

Supportive and experienced management team.

Competitive rate of pay.

Flexible working arrangements.

Opportunity to make a significant impact on outcomes for children and young people.

Strong commitment to professional development and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience:

To be successful in this role you must have,

Social Work England registration.

Eligibility to work in the UK.

Full UK driving licence.

Degree level qualification (or equivalent) in Social Work.

Significant post-qualified experience within Children's Services.

Experience working with looked after children and care planning processes.

Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and safeguarding procedures.

Excellent communication, analytical, and chairing skills.

Why Liquid Personnel?

Free DBS and compliance service

Twice weekly payroll and ‘Faster Pay’ service, getting you paid more quickly

Access to exclusive roles that aren’t available from other agencies

Free access to Liquid’s exclusive social work training and CPD portal

Your own dedicated consultant with extensive social work knowledge

Access to a wide selection of social work positions across the UK

“Refer a Friend” bonus – get £500 for each social worker you refer who we successfully place*

“Find your own job” bonus – get £250 for bringing your own position to us *

Liquid Personnel is an equal opportunities employer. Liquid Personnel Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. * Terms and conditions apply to our bonus schemes.

Reasonable Adjustments:

If you consider yourself to have a disability or require any reasonable adjustment during the recruitment process or within the workplace, please highlight this at the earliest opportunity by contacting our team. With this information, we will provide appropriate support to you throughout the process and into your work placement.

We are unable to support or accept applications from candidates who are residents within the Red or Amber list of the Code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel in England, based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Workforce Support and Safeguard List.

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