Independent Reviewing Officer / Conference Chair

Are you ready to make a real difference?  This is an exciting opportunity to join Barnsley Children’s Safeguarding Service, the retirement of a longstanding team member and the creation of a new post has generated these positions. We are investing in our services and people and putting additional resources in place to ensure the best possible outcomes for our children, young people and families.  You will have a key role in driving planning and promoting positive outcomes for our children and young people. We are looking for enthusiastic, committed and experienced social workers who are passionate about the wellbeing of our vulnerable children to join our well established team of IRO/CP Chairs.

You will be responsible for chairing Child Protection Conferences and Looked After Reviews. Your primary focus will be to oversee and quality assure the care planning and review process for each child. This involves understanding and promoting the child’s voice and driving plans that are aspirational for children. ensuring that planning for each child is of the highest standard

You will need substantial experience in statutory social work with children and families, 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 child protection and looked after children, including Care Planning Regulations and the duties and responsibilities of the IRO as set out in the IRO Handbook.

You will join a very busy but supportive and committed team and play a full part in its operation of ensuring the effective safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of vulnerable children and young people in Barnsley. We are focussed on improving outcomes for children, developing ways to improve reviewing the plans for looked after children and managing child protection conferences.

Here at Barnsley, we live and work by four important values: honesty, teamwork, excellent service, and taking pride in what we do. As part of our team, you can be assured we will support you in striving for excellence in your work. We prioritise learning and enabling you to achieve your potential. So we’ve created a development process that lets you grow in the way that suits you - whether that’s training to be a leader, or learning flexibly online. That’s one of the reasons why we achieved IIP Gold, and why you’ll find your career here inspiring and rewarding.

For further information please contact Rachelle Hattersley, Interim Service Manager Safeguarding rachellehattersey@barnsley.gov.uk 01226 774856