My client is looking for an Independent Reveiwing Officer to assist in developing, maintaining and monitoring the system for carrying out reviews of looked after children, children with disabilities who have short break care, children subject to a child protection plan and foster carers reviews within statutory timescales. To chair other meetings as required.

Key tasks of the post:

1.You will contribute to the development of quality assurance and performance management systems. You will:

*Monitor user and carer information from staff and partner agencies.

*Ensure that services are child centered and focussed and contribute to the overall safety and well being of all vulnerable children and children at risk of significant harm in the Borough.

*Ensure that policy, procedures and practice guidance are being implemented through planning and reviewing processes.

*Actively involve service users and carers in planning and evaluating services and service developments.

*Undertake and report on Regulation 33 Visits.

*Undertake investigations into complaints and assist with requests for access to files in accordance with Directorate guidance.

*Ensure that all children and young people, their parents, carers and relevant professionals are empowered and enabled to actively participate in the review process.

*Contribute to multi-agency partnership working, including leading and chairing policy and planning groups where required.

*Promote the delivery of services in a non-judgemental, non-discriminatory and anti-oppressive way.

*Monitor the Local Authority's review of care plans for looked after children and monitor outcomes.

*Be involved in problem resolutions by using negotiation skills and having clear timescales. The Independent Reviewing Officer will also work with the Local Authority Complaint Officer and advocates where necessary for the resolution of a problem.

*Refer cases to the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Services (CAFCASS) as a last resort, where a child's human rights are considered to be in breach.

2.You will chair a range of child focussed meetings and deliver an accurate record, typically including:

*Initial and review child protection conferences;

*Looked after children's reviews;

*Reviews of approved foster carers;

*Secure accommodation reviews;

*Reviews of children placed for adoption;

*Other complex child protection meetings when required;

3. You will assist with policy and training developments. You will:

*Contribute to the development of the Directorate's Training Plan by determining training priorities and where appropriate designing and delivering training to others.

*Represent the Directorate where appropriate at local, regional and national level according to personal knowledge, skills and experience.

*Contribute to the Directorate's Information, Publicity and Marketing Strategy.

*Contribute to the co-ordination, servicing and development of the Local Safeguarding Children's Board.

*Contribute to reviews and inspections.



All employees have a responsibility to undertake training and development as required. They also have a responsibility to assist, where appropriate and necessary, with the training and development of fellow employees.

All employees have a responsibility of care for their own and others health and safety.

The above key tasks are not exhaustive and other duties relevant to the post may from time to time be required. Variation may also occur in the duties and responsibilities without changing the general character of the post.

If you require any further information on this role please contact Adam Scott on 0121 6888220 or email your CV to adam.scott3@capita.co.uk

We are also offering a £250 referreral bonus in the month of november for any candidates who are succesfully referred to us.

* Terms and condidtions apply *

Capita Social Care and Housing is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.