Children’s IRO/Conference Chair – Looked after Children

Children’s IRO/ Conference Chair
Team: LAC
Location: Barnsley

Details:
We are currently looking to recruit a full-time independent reviewing officer (this role does not involve any chairing of child protection conferences).

You will have a key role in driving care planning and promoting positive outcomes for our looked after children and young people.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, a strong advocate for young people and is passionate about the wellbeing and outcomes for looked after children.

You will be responsible for chairing looked after children reviews. Your primary focus will be to oversee and quality assure the planning and review process for each young person. This involves understanding and promoting the young person’s voice and driving plans that are aspirational for young people and support them to achieve stability and permanence at the earliest opportunity.

You will conduct face to face visits to all your young people at least once between every looked after review meeting and will ensure IRO midway reviews are conducted between each looked after review meeting to ensure the young person’s plan is progressing. All looked after reviews are now face to face in Barnsley as we recognise this is best practice and ensures a more effective meeting is conducted.

You will need substantial experience across different statutory social work teams and particularly with looked after children and families. You will have experience of chairing complex meetings and of working within a multi agency framework. You will have a thorough working knowledge of the legal framework relating to looked after children, including Care Planning Regulations and the duties and responsibilities of the Independent Reviewing Officer as set out in the IRO Handbook.

You will join a friendly, supportive and committed team and play a full part in its operation and ongoing development. You will receive regular supervision, training and development opportunities, all aimed at promoting positive outcomes for young people.