Job Introduction
Following a restructure in our Safeguarding Service, a previously dual Independent Chair role has now become two separate roles: the Independent Child Protection Chair and the Independent Reviewing Officer.
We’re now seeking an experienced Independent Reviewing Officer to complement the existing team of five Independent Chairs and six Independent Reviewing Officers.
You’ll be an experienced social worker with extensive knowledge of safeguarding and childcare issues, legislation, policy, and research.
You’ll hold a caseload of looked after children, chair their reviews and oversee cases in accordance with the Independent Reviewing Officer handbook.
Interviews will be held on 22 November.
Main Responsibility
- Hold a caseload of looked after children and chair their reviews and oversee cases in accordance with the Independent Reviewing Officer handbook.
- Establish and implement looked after children policy and practice in compliance with legislation, guidance, internal policies and procedures, and lead on specialist aspects of the safeguarding process.
- Deliver a professional consultation service, provide advice and information to staff within the city council, partner agencies and external organisations.
- You’ll ensure that the child’s voice is heard; that children and families participate in the child protection process so that children are able to achieve good outcomes.
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified Social Worker with a valid Social Work England registration, minimum of four years post qualification experience, and post qualification award in subjects related to child or family work.
- Advanced extensive knowledge of safeguarding and childcare issues, legislation, policy and research.
- Able to chair complex meetings, analyse, summarise and write/record relevant information clearly and concisely so that it is easily understood by users and colleagues.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including communication with children, young people, their families and professionals.
- For this role you are required to have a full UK driving licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business cover and use of a vehicle. If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your licence prior to starting the role.
- Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks an Enhanced DBS will be actioned for you (unless you are on the DBS Update Service).
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
