Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer – Bradford

Job Title: Social Worker – Independent Reviewing Officer

Location:  Bradford Metropolitan District Council

Teams:  Safeguarding & Reviewing

Start Date: ASAP

Contract: On going

Hours: 37

Rate: £49.80

Office Use:  5253371

We are looking for an Independent Reviewing Officer at Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Key Purpose of Post:

1. To co-ordinate and chair looked after children’s reviews within statutory timescales placing the child at the centre of the reviewing process ensuring their thoughts and feelings are taken into account in the planning process

1. To review and monitor the effectiveness of care plans for looked after children. To ensure that Care plans are promptly implemented, that agreed actions are being progressed and that there is no drift in permanency planning.

3. To ensure that there is appropriate preparation for LAC reviews and to follow up any concerns regarding Bradford MDC as a Corporate Parent.

4. To liaise with operational staff across agencies to ensure the effectiveness of the Review and Care Planning process.

5. To produce a timely, outcome focused report after each review that clearly sets out how the care plan is being implemented, the actions that are required to meet the child’s care needs. Plans should be SMART.

6. To identify poor practice and cases where children’s needs are not being met and to seek to resolve identified problems, through effective communication and negotiation, with relevant practitioners and managers across agencies.

7. To contribute to the evaluation of and monitoring of standards of practice and to fulfil a quality assurance and audit role in services for looked after children.

8. As well as reviewing those children placed within the district, to review care plans of those children placed out of the district, those in secure accommodation and those who are subject to Interim Supervision Orders.

9. To review respite care arrangements for children with disabilities and/or complex needs.

9. To meet separately with children to ensure their views and wishes are understood and taken into account at the review and where a child wishes to challenge their legal status, to assist the child in obtaining independent legal advice and assistance.

11. To support parental participation and ensure that children have access to representation and advocacy services and ensure that children are aware of the complaints procedure.

12. To collate information arising from reviews relating to practice, service development and inter-agency participation and collaboration, as requested by the Principal Care Manager.

13. To contribute to performance management monitoring arrangement and reports submitted to senior management.

14. To remain aware of developments in relation to relevant research, legislation, guidelines and regulations and departmental procedures.

15. To be a member of the Children’s Safeguarding and Reviewing Unit and contribute to the development of the Unit and to the development of practise and policy in relation to safeguarding looked after children.

16. To demonstrate and understanding of, ensure implementation of, Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies and procedures.

17. To design and be involved in the facilitation of training programmes for practitioners and managers from all agencies, involved in safeguarding, permanency planning and interventions for looked after children.

18. To investigate complaints from children and families under the Children Act 1989 and Children’s Complaints Procedure and to undertake independent management investigations in accordance with local procedures.

Ashberry Recruitment would ask that applicants meet the following:

• DIPSW or equivalent qualification in Social Work
• Social Work England registration
• Enhanced and in date DBS certificate.
• Excellent communication skills and be able to make good decisions based on information available.
• Can work alone and within/contribute to a team/multi-agency set ups
• Possess knowledge of service needs.
• Competent IT skills and be able to navigate electronic file/recording systems.
• Can write clear, concise, and robust assessment/reports/files.
• Have a flexible approach to work and working hours when the need arises

Why Ashberry?

• Dedicated experienced Consultant providing the ultimate support through your job search
• Friendly compliance team to guide you through the registration and placement process
• Provides your essential Enhanced DBS
• £250 Referral bonus

If you feel this is the role for you please get in touch as we would love to hear from you!