Job Title: Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) - Children's Services
Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Hourly Rate: £40 per hour
About Barnsley Council:
Barnsley Council's Children's Services is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. We are proud to have achieved a 'Good' rating from Ofsted for our Children's Services, reflecting our dedication to high-quality, child-focused practice. We believe in putting children and families first, working together in partnership, and fostering a strong, valued workforce. We prioritise listening to children's voices and ensuring permanence and stability in their lives.
The Opportunity:
Are you an experienced, highly skilled, and passionate Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) or an accomplished Social Worker ready to step into this critical role? Barnsley Council is seeking a dedicated IRO to join our well-established Children's Safeguarding Service. This is a key position where you will champion the rights and welfare of looked after children and young people, ensuring their care plans are robust, child-centred, and lead to positive, lasting outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
As an Independent Reviewing Officer, you will:
Independently chair statutory Looked After Reviews for children and young people in care, ensuring their voices, wishes, and feelings are at the heart of all planning and decision-making.
Rigorously monitor, assess, review, and scrutinise the quality and effectiveness of care plans, challenging the local authority when necessary to prevent drift and delay.
Ensure that care plans are robust, outcome-focused, and address the child's needs comprehensively, including their identity, health, education, and preparation for adulthood.
Provide independent oversight and challenge to local authority decision-making processes, escalating concerns via the dispute resolution process and, if necessary, to CAFCASS.
Ensure children and young people understand their rights and entitlements, including access to advocacy services.
Work collaboratively with social workers, foster carers, residential staff, parents, and other professionals, acting as a critical friend to ensure best practice.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of services for looked after children through participation in quality assurance activities, audits, and service development.
Maintain accurate and meticulous records of reviews and ensure all statutory requirements are met.
Potentially undertake the role of Child Protection Conference Chair, depending on service need and individual experience.
What We Are Looking For:
A qualified Social Worker with current registration with Social Work England.
Substantial post-qualifying experience in children's social work, with significant experience of statutory safeguarding and looked after children's work.
Demonstrable experience of chairing complex multi-agency meetings, ideally as an IRO or Child Protection Conference Chair.
Expert knowledge of relevant legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice relating to Looked After Children (e.g., Children Act 1989, Care Planning Regulations, IRO Handbook).
Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to assimilate complex information and provide independent challenge.
Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively and empathetically with children, families, and professionals at all levels.
A strong commitment to promoting the voice of the child and ensuring their participation in all aspects of their care planning.
The ability to work autonomously, manage a demanding caseload, and meet statutory timescales.
A valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle for work purposes.
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced and dedicated Social Worker with a passion for championing the rights of children in care, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience as an IRO or your suitability for this specialised role to Fahmida Ahmed at .
Alternatively, for an informal discussion about the role, please do not hesitate to call 07441 927663.
Randstad Care acts as an employment business when supplying temporary staff and as an employment agency when introducing candidates for permanent employment with a client. Randstad Care is an equal opportunities employer and decisions are made on merits alone.
Did you know that Randstad Care have been awarded a place on the National Clinical Staffing Framework for the NHS? This means we will be able to bring you more opportunities within nursing & midwifery and clinical staffing.
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